Flex Your Buying Muscle

Regardless of the causes, the Treasure Coast of Florida (Martin and Saint Lucie Counties) is experiencing what is commonly referred to as a "buyer's market."  That term might make sellers squirm, but for those purchasing a home, lower prices are just the starting point for negotiation these days.

During the recent "boom" years, buyers often accepted a property "as is," and asked for few concessions, even forgoing inspections and appraisals in an attempt to avoid being dumped for the next qualified buyer in the queue.  Now, however, buyers are in the driver's seat and they know it, insisting on a variety of terms in their offers.

The most popular demand now seems to be the "home warranty," whereby the seller purchases a one-year service contract to cover any unexpected system and/or appliance repairs.  Of course, this is on top of insisting that sellers pay for all needed repairs exposed by an inspection before closing, or at least an allowance paid to the buyers to cover the expenses.

Just one inspector doesn't seem to be enough, either.  Now buyers are looking more closely at lead and radon levels, roofs and foundations, and looking into inspectors who specialize in these areas.  Sellers find they need to be more flexible, or the buyers will simply move on to the next seller in the queue.  Now is the time to boost your purchase power.

If you're considering purchasing a home on the Treasure Coast, let us help negotiate the best possible terms for you.  Give us a call today at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.GabeSanders.com.