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De-Stressing a Home Purchase

By
Real Estate Agent with Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 REB.0759001

I recently received a survey from a university study group requesting information on managing clients to assist in taking the stress out of the home buying process. As I reviewed the questions in the questionnaire, I was somewhat surprised that working professionals could be so oblivious to the feelings of their clients.

The purchase of a new home is probably the single most expensive purchase anybody can make, and for many a buyer it's a purchase for which they are most unprepared. If they were to be buying a car or a lawn mower there would be any number of sources available for them to read and get informed on what would be the best purchase to make, lowest maintenance, best performing, etc. But when it comes to a home, many of them are completely unprepared and they don't know whom they can trust.

 There are any number of family and friends that will offer them advice on their anticipated purchase in addition to the cautions that they should take. As is often noted, a buyer will often work with the first agent they contact, and usually it's from a sign that is placed in front of a house that has their interest. If they are fortunate, they may not like the house, which takes them away from the primary fiduciary obligations of the Realtor, and at least puts them on a more even playing field. After all, we all want to sell our own listings but we can seldom work dual agency with the buyer and still help them to get the lowest price on that particular home.

Working through inspections will always cause some anxiety, but usually because the buyers are expecting the worse. A good home inspector will not only point out problem areas of the home but will take some additional time to mention areas that require periodic maintenance so the client can not only get a better feel for the house, but also begin to realize the homeowner responsibilities. We have all had clients offer up the cautions that have been given to them about using service providers suggested by the Realtor. I find that the easiest way to manage this is to give them multiple contacts of providers I have found to be most proficient and thorough. If they ask me about a contractor with whom I am unfamiliar, I also suggest that they ask their contractor to provide names of past customers so that they can get a different perspective. I offer up past clients as contacts so that they may get their info from a user.

I often tell my clients that they should stay active in their purchase and never hesitate to ask questions regardless of how simple or ridiculous it may sound. After all, when the deal is done we walk away and they are the ones left with the mortgage and any problems that may arise afterwards. This steady involvement tends to alleviate the stress, and also serves to demonstrate to the buyer our interest in their transaction and our willingness to work with them.

When it's all over and the congratulations are offered at closing, the buyer will not only walk away confident that they bought well, but with a good feeling about the Realtor that helped them and most assuredly will any of their friends and family.

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Edward (Ed) Silva
Broker Associate

Serving Central Connecticut Sellers and Buyers

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EdSilvaCTrealestate.com


C:  203-206-0754
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O:  203-758-6440

 

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