What kind of stool is most likely to keep you from toppling over when you sit on it? Of course, two-legged stools won’t even stand on their own. Three-legged stools are okay, but still unstable. Four-legged stools are rock solid.
What does that have to do with shopping for a new home?
Well, if you want to have a smooth experience finding the right home quickly and for the best price, you need to have four things in place – the four legs of the stool.
1. Your Wish List
The first leg is your wish list. You need to have a clear picture of the type of home you want. A bungalow or two stories? How many bedrooms? A large deck? Don’t forget about the neighborhood. Need to be close to major highways for ease of commuting? Need good schools and playgrounds within walking distance? Make sure you know what you want so you are very clear on what you don’t want.
2. Pre-Approved Mortgage
The second leg is a pre-approved mortgage. Getting the financing handled upfront takes the guesswork out of what you can afford. Sellers and their realtors are more likely to take any offers you make more seriously too. We can recommend trustworthy lenders if you’re in need of a pre-approval.
3. Realistic Expectations
The third leg is realistic expectations. Of homes that sell, 99% sell at or near their current market values. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a good deal. It does mean you’re unlikely to find a “steal”. Fortunately, there are likely several wonderful properties available within your price range.
4. A Realtor You Can Count On
The final leg of the stool is a great realtor. Having the right real estate professional on your side is crucial to making your home shopping experience less stressful and more productive. Don’t hesitate to meet with more than one realtor to find that person you know you’ll work well with – and we’d be happy to meet with you today.
So when you’re hunting for a new home, make sure you start with a stable “four-legged stool”. It will dramatically increase your chances of finding a home that fits your needs and budget.
Need help with that? Call us today.
(Oh – And the gorgeous, hand-carved stool on our blog today is available on Etsy!)
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