Getting Started in Today’s Market “Confusion” is the prevailing wind in the stormy economy swirling around us. Pundits advise waiting out the storm and hunkering in, but for many people that’s unrealistic. Jobs are affected, income levels fluctuate, and your housing decisions can make or break you financially. On the other hand, if you’re renting, now is the time to buy. So forget the pundits and take this advice instead: Don’t go it alone! Real estate is a whole new ballgame; the market drop has motivated real estate opportunists to abandon the field; most of the remaining professionals, like myself, are deeply invested in knowledge and remain client-focused. We keep pace with the rapid changes of our industry so we can render up-to-date guidance. Missteps are easy at the beginning of your real estate journey. As housing prices seem to plunge (“seem to” because many sellers are failing to appropriately price their homes) it’s tempting to “window shop” and set your heart on something out of reach. Today, more than ever, the wise buyer pre-qualifies. Discovering your purchase power immediately refocuses your options. To pre-qualify, contact your lending institution (a bank, credit union, or broker) and begin the process. It is free, non-binding, and informative. You’ll receive the amount you can borrow, an idea of monthly payments, and a pre-qualification letter. Once you pre-qualify, begin a thorough self-assessment. If you haven’t already, now is the time to call me to engage the advisory process. As mortgage policy tightens, it’s tempting to be discouraged; perhaps you won’t get as much as you hoped. Don’t worry. With a realistic understanding of your purchasing power, we can explore your options. Prioritize your home needs and desires. What is important to you? How much space do you require? Yard or no yard? New construction or pre-owned? Location? Townhome or single-family home? There are dozens of questions to consider. Without help it could be overwhelming. With my help, however, we can systematically step through the process, at once saving you time and giving you confidence that everything has been examined. With solid criteria in hand and strong representation, your purchase power can go much farther than you think. The alternative is impulse buying, which diminishes your return substantially. Discipline in weighing alternatives assures wise and profitable acquisitions. Your home search, facilitated by tools on my website and one-on-one consultation at your convenience, will be efficient and complete. Once suitable homes are found, your prequalification letter changes you from a “looky-loo” to a serious contender. Sellers will take you seriously and give you preference over people without such a letter. When we find your ideal home, we begin the negotiation process. Is the selling price realistic? Are the terms appropriate and the contract sound? Together, we make your real estate experience a safe and fulfilling process. Shall we get started? I'm just a phone call away! Jeff |