Today's blog is for anyone who lives in the Prince William County Virginia area. The story is about a couple who were downsizing from a large single family home into a 55+ community.
A few months back some folks called us to list and sell their home. We met, we listed their home, began our marketing blitz and we were able to present them with mulitple offers within a week or so of listing. During negotiations we also negotiated for the owners to stay after settlement for up to sixty days if needed.
The reason we did that, is because the owners had already been under contract on a New Build home that was being built for them.
We were not a part of the purchase side of things. That is because the homeowners had gone house shopping and fell in love with a floor-plan and contracted for a new home without representation prior to our initial meeting so our hands were tied when they ran into significant speed bumps during the build process.
Personally, I felt so bad as I learned the emotional struggles they were having with the process. First it was the loan paperwork. It was just sent to them in the mail to be signed. They did not understand it, and did not know what questions to ask. They were frustrated.
Then came the front porch fiasco. Oh my! One day on a Sunday drive to see the new home progress, they realized the porch was half the size it should have been. Oops! How did that happen. As you can imagine...tempers flew when the builder claimed they could not do anything about it. "Say what?"
Weeks of tempers flying.
"Remember they have no place to go in less than forty five days. Their home is SOLD."
Finally the builder decides to do the right thing and everything is moving along toward settlement and then a few days before settlement they realize the utility box is sitting to the right of the driveway right where you cannot open the car door. Oh my, another oversight. Needless to say this was yet again another major stresser on what should be a really smooth, downsizing experience and a happy time. It was far from it for the home buyers.
Here's what home-buyers don't understand. The builders representative works for the builder. They are on site to sell lots and options. They are not representing you. People can buy homes from new home builders without a REALTORS® help. But the above example is why you want an experience REALTOR® to help you. Someone that works full time in real estate. It is what we do. We know how to read plans, help you pick the right lots, explain things so that you understand exactly what you are buying. Help you make the right choices for options and help you every step of the way. Think about it. If you have to take time off, go to the site and deal with the builder is stressful and could even cost you dearly if you run into issues and delays. There is no costs for a REALTOR® to help you when you buy a home. If you have to sell or rent you definitely want to hire a REALTOR® to help you coordinate the process. That is if you do not want to make a temporary move and move into a rental.
When it's time to downsize in Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas, Dumfries, Stafford or Fredericksburg contact the Twins Selling Real Estate
Don't go it alone.....ask for help. We know real estate.
Click on the photo below to get started. We know you are on a fact finding mission right now. That's ok. Downsizing takes time....
PS: In the State of Virginia New Home Builders have two years to complete your home. That language is in the contract to protect the builder in case of a bad weather, permit problems, development delays and or other conditions outside of their control. If you have a home to sell do yourself a favor and consult with a REALTOR before you go visiting New Homes.
You can also photograph this card and keep it on your cell phone. That way when they ask questions just pull out your phone and say we have someone who is going to help us through the process of buying and selling.
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