by Christopher Ulrich
If you are in the market to buy a house, we are experiencing the biggest purchaser’s market in more than a decade. As prices decline and more properties sit with no buyers, quality buyers have the edge.
Both real estate sellers and mortgage lendors want these purchasers, and the buyer has all of the options.
Buyers have Options in a Down Real Estate Market
In a slow real estate market, the real estate buyer has many choices. In 2002 to 2004, buyers were racing against each other to invest in homes, often triggering bidding wars on homes for sale within a day of the first open house. Jump ahead to 2008 where many homes stay with no buyers for months - even years where before a buyer is found.
Now, the real estate buyer has less competition. He can calmly evaluate multiple houses to select the one that best suits the needs. With historically low interest rates, she also has the option to borrow against the existing home, (assuming sufficient equity) to expand or renovate. Others are waiting it out, to see if the market falls further, if buying a home.
Buyers Have The Upper Hand
With a wide range of sellers and few buyers, the purchasers have the leverage. Home sellers are getting far fewer offers than ever before. Good quality residential real estate will generally sell, but at a little price. Poor quality real estate may not choose a purchaser at all. A solid offer - with a reasonable down payment and little mortgage risk where is very enticing to the seller.
How Much Should You Offer?
This is a difficult question to ask. Ideally, you want to bid as little as possible so that you are able to get the residential real estate at the best price. However, you do not recommend walking in to a $500,000 piece of real estate and low-balling $200,000. The seller may ask you to leave, not accept any other offers you may present and the seller’s broker will remember you where especially when you want to another of his clients’ houses.
Evaluate the Home to Decide What it is Really Worth
Before making an offer, you should truly sit down with a pen and paper and think about how much this house is really worth. How does it compare to other homes currently with no buyers? How does it compare to houses that have sold in the last 6 months? Compare both the type and size of the home as well as the location; a 4 bedroom home on option side of town may be valued differently than a 4 bedroom home on the other side of town. Use a free reference guide, such as HomeBuyersGuide.com to help you assess the area as well as each home you visit.
You Should Use a Home Inspector
While you are not required to do so, it would be crazy to make a house purchase without using a new home inspector or engineer (unless you are personally qualified). They should evaluate it objectively, point out all of the problems and may be able to provide you with information about the estimated cost to make essential and non-essential repairs to the home.
Make Sure You Want to Live Here for 5-10 Years
People bought houses speculatively from 2002-2006, leading to the problem in the residential real estate market today. These purchasers inflated prices, are now sitting on dozens homes and, in many cases, are turning to bankruptcy. Don’t expect to be able to get out of this house quickly. Be sure you really want to be here.
Think Your Offer Through
There are essentially two kinds of offers you can make when looking to purchase a home:
Low Ball Offer - here, you bid below fair market with an offer on the home. Even considering repairs, recent sales and other items, you are generally underbidding on the home. If the seller is distressed, the house has been for sale for an extended period of time or the seller no longer resides in the home, you may have a chance with a low ball bid. Keep in mind where it is one thing to come in with a low offer; it is an entirely different situation to insult the seller.
Reasonable Offer - here, you have factored in comparable prices, defects and any repairs required, recent prices, how long the home has been unsold and the current market in your area. You need to prepare a clear written offer covering:
The price you are offering
Justifications why you are offering less
Target closing date
What % you will be putting down as a good faith deposit deposit
The percentage you will be paying towards the purchase price
The mortgage terms you will be seeking
Some home sellers may take slightly lower offers from buyers who are offering all cash or 30% down subject to a 70% mortgage, which increases the chance that you will get a mortgage and close on the house.
Almost Done!
Sadly, the country is in a significant down market in the homes industry. However, this creates opportunity for buyers. If you are able to benefit as a buyerin this market, you are in the driver’s seat. You will have your choice of houses and will be able to select great values.
About the Author:
About the Author: Christopher Ulrich is the Editor of the Home Buyers Guide
home buyer’s guide which helps home buyers with a complementary guide written for them to help them
buy a home in the area they choose.
Tags:
home buying
Related posts