I get a lot of calls from people who were not planning on moving. They call because we have a house listed that they want to buy. That makes sense and that is why
we publish our phone numbers on signs in front of our listings.
An unplanned home purchase during the holidays isn’t likely to end well unless the buyer is pre-approved for a mortgage or has proof of funds and plans to pay cash. It also helps to be represented by a Realtor because there will be other buyers to compete with.
Some agents will have other plans over the holidays and some sellers won’t allow showings on the holidays.
The listing agent represents the seller. There is no truth to the rumor that buyers who work with the listing agent get a discount, or that the sellers pay less in commissions.
Anyone can buy a house, an agent isn’t needed. People who are used to making offers and are familiar with common business practices as they apply to selling real estate may want to work without an agent. I know one home buyer who made 17 offers before getting one accepted. He paid slightly more than the asking price as is common these days.
I would describe the current real estate market as a frenzy. Home buying is very competitive. When you find that perfect house you will quickly discover that there are many other interested buyers. Strong buyers are prepared and ready to compete.
When you think about it for most people buying a house is a major investment and it isn’t something that should be done without a great deal of thought.
Please get pre-approved if you plan to borrow money to buy a house. Your lender can update your pre-approval letter every six months or so. Develop a relationship with a Realtor so that you have someone who will help you and maybe even drop what they are doing and run out to show you that house that just came on the market.
