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Incentives to Buy

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Real Estate Agent with Shinsky & Assoc

Incentives to Buy

In one of the best buyer markets ever, sellers are not really doing much to encourage purchasers to act now.

 

Builders offer a variety of incentives such as upgrades, seller-paid closing costs, interest rate buy downs, washers, dryers, refrigerators or big screen TVs.

 

Interestingly, much of the resale market doesn't employ many of these techniques. According to the latest NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Profile, 56% of sellers are not offering any incentives at all.

25% offer a home warranty which is valuable but at an average cost of about $500, it probably doesn't do much to make the difference in the decision to buy or not.

With the tougher mortgage conditions that exist today, buyers are more discerning and looking for their best opportunity. When homes are similar in size, condition, location and price, the home with the most attractive terms will sell first.

Whether selling or buying, today's complex real estate market requires a professional who can structure a transaction to benefit all parties involved. A Residential Finance Consultant has the tools and information you need to make better decisions.

 

Comments(2)

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Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

OK what incentives are you suggesting an existing home owner should consider offerring so they can compete with new home opportunities? I am not sure they really can compete except on price basis...

May 03, 2011 11:06 AM
Nita Shinsky
Shinsky & Assoc - Azle, TX
Broker, GRI, SFR, e-Pro

Robert, great question. I think sellers of resale homes could offer the same incentives as builders such as the washer, dryer, or refrigerator. These items could be the existing or new ones depending on the pricing. I like the out of the box thinking of the possiblity of the seller considering allowing a buyer ASSUME their existing loan (as long as the numbers work for today's market) and having the buyer take a second for the equity the seller is asking for in the home. NO ONE is doing it and it is so much CHEAPER for the buyer to assume someone's existing loan right now in my area. I'm just full of ideas! :)

May 03, 2011 11:23 AM