Top 5 Things Your Realtor Wants You To Know When Buying a Home

Buying a home is no easy feat, especially in an extremely competitive market. With a competitive market comes an amplified homebuying process. Emotions run higher, it can be more stressful and the process can take longer. So we thought it would be helpful to touch on some aspects of the homebuying process that you may not hear a lot about, the less “tangible” aspects that can make all the difference. 

1. Starting earlier has its advantages and can really give you an edge. If you feel like you’re going to buy within the next year, start reaching out to a few Realtors in your area. Interview multiple people, get to know their processes, and make sure you feel comfortable with them. It’s never too early to get your ducks in a row!

2. Local and reputable lenders make all the difference. It may be tempting to file a quick preapproval application with your bank, but we suggest talking to your Realtor for some trusted local lender referrals. Having a local and reputable lender will help with so many aspects of the home buying process. It will make the entire process much less stressful, help your offer stand out in multiple offer situations and may be a huge reason your offer gets accepted! Your lender is one of the most crucial pieces of the home buying process, so we recommend really taking the time to pick someone who is thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. It might be more work up front but so worth it in the end! 

3. Having a clear picture of your finances makes the process smoother. This takes on different forms for every person, but knowing how much you want to put down for a downpayment, how much you would like to keep in savings after you purchase a home and what you would like your monthly payment to be will make the homebuying process that much easier. This is where starting the process early can really be helpful too! After meeting with a lender you will have a solid understanding of how much you will need for closing costs, how much money you’d like to put as a downpayment, and more. 

4. Have open and honest communication with your Realtor. In this competitive market, it is so important to trust your Realtor and be able to have open and honest communication with them. You will need to lean on them and have them provide honest feedback and advice - not just have them sugarcoat everything. Sometimes you might not like what they have to say (like your offer didn’t get accepted), but it is always best to have someone that can give constructive advice, be honest with you and help push you forward. 

5. Stay the course and don’t try to rush it. It’s so crucial to trust the process and stay the course, especially in current market conditions. It may seem defeating at times, but our advice is to not settle. Don’t try to force yourself into a home because you’re feeling the pinch of the market. This is definitely easier said than done at times, but that is where a good Realtor comes in to help provide feedback and remind you of what is most important!

If you are in the market to buy a home in the next year, or just want to reach out to a professional to learn more about the process and what to expect, our inboxes are always open! At VIBE we pride ourselves in not being salesy agents that pressure people, we are here to have honest conversations and help guide you on your path to homeownership.