Steps to Keep Home Searches from Blending Together

Oct 31st 2010

Posted By: Karen S. Smith @ 2:15pm In: Buyers
Tags: easy living in myrtle beach, buyers agent, moving, abr, sellers, firsttime homebuyers, home search, south carolina, finding a real estate agent, buying a home

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There are several steps you can take which will help you keep each Home For Sale clear in your mind.

1. Work with only ONE Realtor. By commiting to one Realtor, your personal information remains confidential. A Realtor who has a signed Agreement is committed to putting your interests as a priority. That Realtor will listen to your concerns and preferences saving you time in the end because you will be shown only properties that meet your requirements.

2. Ask your Realtor for a copy of the MLS printout. This printout will give you a list of all the features of the home as well as up to ten photos.

3. Bring a camera. When you begin to take the photos of a home, first take a photo of the address of the home. The numbers will be on the mailbox, on the house itself (usually above the garage), or a signpost. This will help you keep the photos separated, especially if you view two homes in the same color back-to-back. Then take a photo of the exterior. Don't get so involved taking photos that you don't really view the home. Keep it simple!

4. Create a chart or spreadsheet. Make copies for EVERY Buyer viewing the home. Husbands and wives do not view features in the home with the same perspective. One may think the kitchen is the most important feature of the home while another may be more concerned about the landscaping or structure of the home. Keep it simple!

Make a column with all of the addresses of the homes you are viewing
On each line, list the features that are non-negotiable (i.e. granite countertops, brick exterior, spacious bedrooms, formal dining room, etc.)
Add ONE extra blank box for that ONE special feature that stands out for that one home
Grade each feature with a 0-5 scale.
Total the scores you gave for each home. When you are alone, compare that score with that of your partner and discuss it. Discuss the pros and cons of each. You'll be amazed how one Buyer will remember specific feature that the other Buyer never noticed or remembered.
When you are alone, discuss your spreadsheets with each other.

5. View a limited number of homes. Viewing one home after another can be exhausting. If you view too many in one day, it will be even more difficult to keep them separated in your mind. Unless you have very little time in which to buy a home, keep it to under 5 (or 3) each day. .

6. Take a Second Look. Before writing up an offer, take a second look at the home you've chosen. This time, make sure you check out the roof, heat/A/C unit. Check for cracks, leaks and problems with construction. Flush the toilets, run the water in sinks and check all appliances if they are negotiable items. At times, the appliances might be left for the buyer, but they are "as is" condition. The Seller is just being nice in leaving the items or they would cost more to move them

7. Be sure you are covered for any Contingencies. For Sale contracts vary. If you must have loan approval in order to be able to pay for the home, make sure you Realtor writes this offer with this Contingency or that it is already covered in the contract. You might also need to sell your current home in order to purchase this new home. Again, make sure you are covered. You can always have a lawyer check out the contract prior to submission.

8. Offers accepted become Contracts. Don't submit an offer just to "test the seller". Once an offer is accepted by the Seller, it is a legally binding contract.

Good luck in your home search. You can check out all listings in the Myrtle Beach area on my website: http://www.HomeSearchMyrtleBeach.com.

HomeSearchMyrtleBeach.com services MyrtleBeach, North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, Murrells Inlet, Socastee, Conway, Loris, Longs, Surfside Beach, Socastee, Garden City, Little River and the surrounding areas.

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