Get a LIFE!

A real life. The kind that includes friends and work and fun in equal proportions. 

I am speaking to myself here! Today's home-buyers need to feel grounded. With so much in flux it's important to impart a sense of purpose and commitment to their own lifestyles as they consider home ownership. Have you ever suggested a couple get counseling before they go house shopping? I have! Being personally grounded will help them make better decisions. Home ownership or real estate investment, after all, is about supporting a personal vision for your life.

Here are a few Buyer Tips that really add up:

+ Be Cool!  I sometimes have the urge to say "Kick anyone to the curb pressuring you to ‘buy now’!" We all know the best decisions come from a sense of empowered choice. Helping our buyers learn the nuances of today's home buying process will save heartaches along the way. I suggest they take a homebuyer course, an online program or start a local buyer’s club-- and have fun with it. Rushing into buying a home out of peer pressure is not a good reason. They need to want it --really want it.

+Take Time Out. Off the clock, off the pressure.  Time ON to explore goals and purpose and reasons for home ownership in the first place. Let your buyers set the pace. Of course, some people are better off renting. So if thoughtfully completing a home budget and saving money for their most basic closing cost is 'just too hard' then maybe home ownership is not for them. Maybe later.

+ Get Real: Investing in any plan is challenging. Buyers must be committed to success and willing to establish realistic expectations. At the earliest stage I address any issues like paying down auto loans or saving funds for down payment and closing costs and set a time line. This could be years away! Since we don’t charge a fee for the up front consultation- even if it takes a year or more - you have to believe in educating borrowers as building your own future.

+ Save Now! I strongly advise first time buyers devise a savings plan toward closing costs, say 5% of their home’s sale price for starters. Many loan programs allow family or employer support. We just love to see a demonstrated ability to save so money in the bank will go a long way to convincing a lender that they are ready and able to manage their mortgage commitments.

+ Get Smart! When you think about it: people should be required to get a license before becoming home owners. I invite you to send your buyers for their ‘learners permit . Local folks can attend my FREE Home Buyer Education Seminar (TBD schedule) sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Featuring five hours of solid financial and home ownership skills presented in a lively interactive format. I am inviting local industry professionals to share their ideas so call me if you'd like to present a segment. I'll be looking for a few home inspectors, repair contractors and home budgeting bookkeepers to join my Lender and Realtor team. Participants will receive an approved Home Buyer Certificate for successful completion. Very cool. Great exposure for presenters also- so call me if you are interested.

= Rock Star Buyers:  A Pre-Approved Home Buyer with our Priority Buyer Letter in hand is, after all, a beautiful sight!