Saratoga Springs - The Real Estate Transaction: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
"Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." While Edward Murphy was referring to the use of new measurement devices, his rule can be aptly applied to the real estate transaction without a hiccup.
From the very first step – getting preapproved for a mortgage – to choosing a real estate agent to the close of escrow, the process is full of pitfalls.
If you're considering the purchase or sale of a home, it's a good idea to know what could go wrong during the process. While some problems are hard to anticipate, others happen with enough frequency that they offer lessons, allowing you to become informed and, hopefully, help you to avoid some of the biggest problems.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent is the driver of the transaction. As such, he or she will steer the transaction around common roadblocks and avoid certain pitfalls. That is, if you choose the right agent.
What happens if you don't? Several things:
- Your house may not be priced properly.
- Your house may sit on the market longer than it should.
- If you're buying, you may end up paying more than you should.
- A complicated transaction, such as a short sale, may have details that are allowed to fall through the cracks.
Avoid these potential problems by hiring an experienced real estate agent. When selling your home, your first concern is getting the most money for the home. An agent familiar with the area is much better able to determine market value than one from outside the area.
An agent with proven marketing capabilities will get your house in front of more buyers than an agent who hasn't a clue about marketing. If you own a specialized home, such as a luxury home or beachfront property, or you are performing a short sale, you need an agent experienced in these types of sales.
When purchasing a home, you need a savvy negotiator in your corner - an agent who can go to bat for you and get you the best possible price on the home.
Counteroffers
The offer to purchase is a document full of potential pitfalls. Some of these include:
- Price.
- Insufficient earnest money.
- Inappropriate closing date.
- Requests for personal property.
- The buyer isn't preapproved for a mortgage.
- Requests for repairs or allowances.
Of course, there are many, many more, but these are some of the most common. These problems are typically addressed via a counteroffer. This document says to the other party, "I accept the offer as long as the following conditions are met." This is the nuts and bolts of negotiating, and it's fraught with perils.
If you've done a good job of carefully selecting your real estate agent, this is the time to rely on him or her for advice. The decisions are ultimately yours to make, but expert advice should be considered.
Home Inspection
The home inspection presents another opportunity for a deal to fall apart. Home repairs can be costly. Some can make you want to walk away from the deal. If you decide to remain engaged in the process, you'll need your old friend the counteroffer to request repairs or a reduction in the price of the home to allow for the cost of repairs.
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