House Hunting - 2010 Style

 Saturday morning - Starbuck's Italian Roast - and the Daytona Beach News-Journal... My eyes catch "Shopping for homes when there's too much to buy!"  The author, Ilyce Glink, says there are "Eight things" you can do, as a buyer, to be successful in this market:

1. Create a wish list.
2. Create a reality check.
3. Get pre-approved for your mortgage.
4. Pick a neighborhood.
5. Pick a Real Estate Agent (...Like Me!)
6. Search the Internet to do elimination.
7. Do "drive-bys" to eliminate more.
8. Look only "at or below" your qualified price.

Now, I'll add a little to her take on things...  I'd combine #1 & #2.  Just make one list.  You'll know if your list is close to realistic or not.  If you can go to $200K here in Palm Coast, FL and you want a pool, we can make that happen.  And to think in 2005 there were NO HOUSES OF ANY KIND HERE UNDER $200,000!!!    But if you say you want "Direct Oceanfront, 5 bedrooms, pool, granite counters, etc." for under $200K, then you'd be joking, right?  Right?

On #3, I'd get more than "pre-approved."  I'd get "approved" for a mortgage.  Actually make your application and start the process.  Then, when I find you your new home, we just need an appraisal.

#4 - Agree.  Pick where you want to be.  If you want to be in Flagler Beach, then Palm Coast or Bunnell won't do.  If you want a salt water canal with Intracoastal access, then that's where we focus. 

Let's combine #5, #6, #7.  The right agent will make all the difference in the world.  Massive experience can really help if things get dicey.  Also, you won't get silly statements to try to "sell" you a particular house.  In 25 years of doing this, I know that you'll put it on your "no way, Jose" or your "possible" list within 2 minutes.  We won't waste time on houses you wouldn't buy.  The internet is not a threat to a good agent, it's an efficient tool.  And drive-bys are a great way to save boatloads of time.  A $99 GPS can save us three days of mind-numbing elimination.

I disagree with her on #8.  This quarter, 70% of our listings in Palm Coast, FL don't sell... because they are overpriced.  Maybe it's worth making an offer at the right price.  Plus, it's just a ridiculous buyer's market and there are bargains to be had.  If you qualify for $350,000, I'll ask you if you'd like to see up to $375K (maybe even $400K) if I can prove a price point of $350,000 or less.  But you are in charge of that decision.



Choices!  Choices!  Choices!

 Let's meet and talk about what you want!  I'll help you get it!