Take Pictures and Notes
Today’s real estate tip is for buyers - take pictures and notes when you go to listings. Chances are you will see at least 5-10 listings before you decide on one. However, those 5-10 can seem quite similar, particularly if you are looking within a certain subdivision or looking at new construction. So take some notes and bring along your camera too. The best way to do this is to have your agent print out the MLS reports for the houses that you are going to see - then you can just make extra notes right on there along with the rest of the info.
So what should you document? Certainly not everything!!!! But if you see a fireplace, or a desk nook or a kitchen island that you particularly like, take a picture of it (and make a note on your MLS printout that you took the picture and what it was of so that you can tell later on). This way, when you go home that night, you can review all the houses you looked out in order to narrow down your decision.
The buyer’s needs and wants are the most important first step in the transaction. On-line wish lists that generate leads from an agents web site are growing in popularity to determine the buyers true needs. The best wish list programs generate wish lists for both the buyer and the agent via e-mail as a guidance tool in the home search.
But to really “narrow down” the choices of “all” the homes buyers are touring these days, a buyer’s home rating program and walk through checklists become the ultimate tools to locate their dream home. By rating 5-10 features in each home the buyer tours, then combining and calculating a couples ratings will determine the best home to meet both their needs. The emotional approach of buying now becomes a due diligence approach to their largest investment in life.
Duane