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I Want A "Neighborhood That's Too Good To Fail"....

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC

First time homebuyers present a unique set of needs and challenges. Often they want the perfect house for the perfect price (don't we all?). They can be prone to "Buyer's Remorse" even before they execute a contract. A good initial consultation prior to even taking a client out can help set expectations and educate the client, but sometimes its just not enough.

I've been working with a family who are first time homebuyers and they are a really neat couple. They also do their homework as they evaluate potential properties, which I strongly encourage. We found what I thought was the perfect home...it met their criteria of being newer, had the space they wanted to accomodate an office, priced in their budget and in exceptional condition. Plus it was NOT a short sale.

We looked at the home several times, the last time spent over 45 minutes in the home. Sellers were helpful and pointed out some of great features of the home. I provided the buyers with the recent comparable sales and made the request for the Seller's Real Property Disclosure. Being careful first time homebuyers, they wanted to discuss the purchase together in more detail, even sent their kids to the YMCA for a sleepover so they could chat without interruption. This was on Friday.

Then I get a message from the buyer...husband wants to buy in a "neighborhood that's too good to fail" and they told me the specific neighborhood. Now the home they were looking at was priced to the market and possibly had some room to negotiate. The challenge we have is the neighborhood they want is priced $20,000 or more above the price threshold they are willing to spend. I've essentially been given the proverbial needle in the haystack to find.

So my question is, what do you say to someone who wants to buy in a "neighborhood that's too good to fail?". I would love to hear your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Julia

Comments(4)

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Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Julia-  Well, the first word that comes to mind is "Adios!"  Ha! Don't you wish we were all financially secure enough to do that?  We we were discussing the other day, I love my home.. but is it the perfect home? NO. It is 90% perfect.... Your buyers were fortunate enough to find a home they really liked... Guaranteed that the next home they see that fits all of their requirements will also haev multiple bids as it IS $20,000 less.... I would try my best to get the house they want for less number one.. and explain the situation... Do the selles want to lose good buyers also? By Feb. next year, their home mgiht be $30,000 less... The problem is, buyers know that there are so many homes out there that they can afford to be picky. They are losing great deals along the way based on their 'thinking' they know it all...and yet, YOU the professonal kow more but they jsut do not seem to listen.. My heart goes out to you. WOuld love to ehar their end story.  Best, Gay

Oct 12, 2010 03:39 AM
Amie Gallagher
Keller Williams Realty - Charlotte, NC
The Stephen Cooley Team

I'd tell them unfortunately there is no guarantee in the market today. The homes don't go into foreclosure the people do. You can't hand select your neighbors. If they are going out of their price range, well then explaining what "house poor" is might convince them to step down off the know it all stand and realize that its their first home.

Ask them why the think the neighborhood they found the house in is going to fail because it's not good enough?

Keep us posted. Have a great day!

Amie

Oct 12, 2010 04:26 AM
Julia Stander
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC - Clearwater, FL
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Clearwater

Thanks Gay and Amie! Amie, good point to remind them that its their first home and I agree I need to dig a little deeper on the house they found. I almost think there's more to the story. I'll keep you guys posted!

Oct 12, 2010 09:38 AM
Amie Gallagher
Keller Williams Realty - Charlotte, NC
The Stephen Cooley Team

Roselle- I do not think there is a neighborhood that is "too good to fail".... Come on people, we don't live in Disneyland! 

Oct 14, 2010 02:24 PM