1. Many times buyers avoid using the services of a REALTOR®
under the mistaken belief that it costs them money
- or that they will be able to negotiate a better deal
directly with the seller or seller's agent. This can be an
expensive mistake. If you are negotiating directly with the
seller or seller's agent, you may not be taking advantage of
the best deal available in the marketplace today! You can
have your own REALTOR®, a Buyer Broker or Purchaser's Agent,
who is committed to using the experience gained through
hundreds of successful negotiations for your benefit - at no
charge to you! Your agent can be paid from the same
commission that the seller's agent is paid from - by the
seller. Real Estate is a unique business, where an agent
with one day's experience and no sales gets paid the same as
an agent with several years experience and hundreds of
successful sales. An experienced agent can help you avoid
the other costly mistakes outlined here, and make your home
buying experience an enjoyable, stress-free one! 2. Not
knowing who the agent is really working for. It is important
for buyers to know and understand for whom the agent helping
with the house hunting is actually working. The agent may be
working as a sub agent - representing the seller's best
interests during negotiations - or as your agent
representing your best interests during negotiations. If you
are not sure who your agent is working for - ask for
clarification. Your REALTOR® must fully explain agency. When
negotiations commence, wouldn't you want to know whether
information you divulge will be used for the seller's
benefit - or yours?
3. Failing to have a Comparative Market Analysis prepared before
offering.
Before you make an offer to purchase that special home, you must
have a good idea what the market value is to ensure you do not
overpay. Your agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis
showing what similar homes have recently sold for, and the
difference between the asking and selling prices. This is the
same type of report the seller receives when deciding on an
asking price. Wouldn't you like to have access to the same
information as the seller?
4. Failing to recognize different negotiating styles and
strategies.
Many buyers think that the way to achieve a fair purchase price
is by offering low. This is the strategy of the buyer who is
not in possession of all the facts essential to negotiating
the best possible deal. Many times that type of strategy
will polarize negotiations and lead to inflexibility on part
of the seller - or worse yet - failed negotiations! If you
have chosen your REALTOR® wisely, the most effective
strategies for this particular situation will be revealed to
you. Remember, in the real estate business, an agent with
many successfully closed transactions usually costs the same
as someone who is inexperienced. That experience could mean
a better deal at the negotiating table with a minimum amount
of hassles.
5. Failing to have the home inspected by a competent home
inspection company.
Buying a home is a major purchase usually made after spending
just half an hour looking at the home. Isn't it worth
ensuring you will not be surprised later with deficiencies
costing thousands? Your REALTOR® can recommend several
reputable companies for you to choose from, and will ensure
the appropriate clause is inserted in the offer.
6. Not knowing and understanding your rights and obligations
set out in the Offer To Purchase.
It is important to understand completely the terms of the Offer
to Purchase. Wrong assumptions, poorly written or missing
clauses, and not understanding how the clauses affect the
purchase, can lead to increased costs or a void contract. An
experienced REALTOR® can thoroughly explain the agreement to
you and help you to fulfill your contractual obligations.
7. Letting emotion blind reason.
Buying a home is an exciting time and is usually an emotional
decision. It is important that those emotions be validated
by facts and reason. An experienced agent will help to
remove the emotion from the negotiating process and provide
you with the information you need to make the right
decisions.
8. Failing to take the steps to be financially
pre-qualified, and having an interest rate guarantee before
looking at homes.
Knowing how much you can comfortably afford will ensure you are
looking in the right price range and prevent you from buying
a home that will strain you financially and emotionally.
Having an interest rate guarantee will protect you in times
of fluctuating rates and ensure that your initial projected
payments do not suddenly escalate, resulting in extra
interest charges. An experienced REALTOR® can help you
initiate this process and can also recommend alternative
sources of financing. Being aware of these Big Time mistakes
will help ensure you receive best value for your dollar when
the time comes to buy your home! |