One of the easiest ways to compare properties that you have seen is to use the FLAP system. 

F = Financing.  Does the seller offer any special financing incentives, such as offering to carry the first or second loan, closing costs, repairs, etc.?  Is it a short sale?

L = Location.  How would you rate the location?

A = Appearance.  How does the home's appearance compare to the average home?

P = Price.  Is it a good deal?

You simply assign a rating of 1 to 5 for each category for every property you see.  I suggest you write it on the back of your printed property listing sheets.  Later, you will have a quick record of what you thought of the property when you saw it.

A rating of 3 means that the property is average, or good, in any of the categories.  In other words, rating a property 3 on appearance means that it is in good condition, but not exceptional.  A rating of 3 on price generally means that the property is worth the price; it is priced fairly, and it appears to be priced at a fair market value.

If you rate a property a 4 in any category, then your interest should perk up.  If you rate a property a 4 in appearance and a 5 in price, then you should be jumping for joy that you have found a real bargain.

I use the FLAP system for all the properties that I preview for my clients.  I know which properties are dogs and which ones are deals.  But, it is only my opinion.  Another person might consider my 4 a 5, or my 2 a 3.  Everyone will see a property in a different light.  I encourage my clients to develop their own rating system, and if they want my opinion, I will show them mine.

Ultimately, my opinion doesn't count for much, except for weeding out the ones that I know my clients won't like at all.  I learn what my clients like and don't like during the initial Buyer Consultation.

Are you ready to buy a home?  Call me for your FREE Buyer Consultation.

Unsure about how much house you can really afford?  Have questions about the home buying process?  Want to know how much homes are selling for in a particular Southern California neighborhood?  Need help getting started in the hunt for your new home?

Whether you want to buy now, in six months or in a year, a Buyer Consultation with a professional REALTOR® should be the first priority of your home search.  First time buyers, investors or long-term homeowners will all benefit from my one-on-one home buyer consultation.  It's custom designed for you and your needs.

Together, we will cover:

Financing

• How much you can really afford
• How much cash you should put down
• How much the payments will be
• The tax advantages of buying
• Whether renting or buying is better for you

The Home Purchase Paperwork

• The Residential Purchase Agreement and other forms

Buyer's Desires®

• What is needed to make your home search as easy as possible
• What you really want in a home

My Commitment to You

• I will show you current market conditions in the area you choose.
• Properties for Your Consideration

There is absolutely no charge; and I offer this to you with no strings attached.

It's not too early to start planning. Schedule your Complementary Home Buyer Consultation, even if your purchase is over a year away.  Plan on spending about an hour.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you, and helping you plan your home purchase! 

Call me today for your free buyer consultation!  (562) 639-9400.

-Blog End-

 
Bob Willis, Realtor®
Prudential California Realty
16218 E. Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, CA   90603
DRE License # 01788371
Phone:  (562) 639-9400
Email:  bob@willisrealtor.com

Search for your new home online at http://myhome.listingbook.com

Learn more about Whittier real estate at http://www.WhittierWelcomesYou.com.