You are not allowed to fall in love with a house!

Remember when we would take our time researching properties, plan our home tour a few days in advance, and then sleep on it, maybe even go back for a second look, before writing an offer? Remember when Real Estate moved at a much slower pace? When buyers asked how will we possibly know when we've found the one, and I'd answer with: you'll just feel it as soon as you walk into the home!?  

Times have changed* (*temporarily because Real Estate is cyclical and an extreme sellers' market will eventually move towards a balanced one and on to one that favors buyers. Don't ask me when, however, my crystal ball just broke. Chances are that we won't see a trend toward a balanced market anytime soon - there's simply too little inventory to satisfy record demand.)

Now - in 2021 - there's no time to waste, we are watching for new listings daily and are Homesnapping on the go! It can be a struggle to get appointments lined up just right, or squeeze one into a 15 minute window. And there may not be any time slots available for a second look. Buyers may still get a night or 2 to sleep on it - the trend in Maryland is to list towards the end of the week, get all the folks through the door over the weekend, and review offers beginning of the week.

In today's wild wild Real Estate West, my buyers are no longer allowed to fall in love with a house at first sight! We have to wait until we hold a ratified contract in hand before butterflies are allowed to flutter. Chances are we'll be collecting a few rejections before getting the one!* Chances are they'll be buying it as-is. Chances are they'll be doing the inspection with a right to void only. 

We will still make sure that offers are only written on houses that meet my clients' criteria, I will still talk my buyers out of a house that I know is not the right fit or that comes with a laundry list of problems. But we do have to manage expectations and contain our excitement.

Once we hold a ratified contract in our virtual hands - and that day will come! - and the inspection does not reveal any major deal breakers, then we can set the butterflies free. By the time settlement rolls around, you are all set to fall head over heels and feel all the feelings. 

You are not allowed to fall in love with a house - until we have a ratified contract in hand that is!