In helping buyers for a combined 29 years, the Jones Team; Mark Jones and Monte Jones,  have witnessed many mistakes and missed opportunities. We would like to share some tips for buyers to make the home buying process smoother.

First must know for buyers:

When a real estate agent meets with a buyer for the first time they sift through all the available active inventory that meets the buyers needs and they select the BEST homes available to show the buyer. This means the next time you see homes with your agent; unless they didn’t have a clear idea of what you are looking for, you are seeing the second best homes available. So when you are looking with your agent don’t be surprised if the first home you see is the best home you will see! I can’t tell you how many times buyers ended up getting their second favorite home because they felt uncomfortable jumping on a home the first time out.

Second must know for buyers:

Buyers always ask what should I offer? There is no right or wrong answer. Buyers need to find an agent that understands values and market conditions in their target area and then determine what the home is worth to them based upon those values. In our market you should never  use the list price as a catalyst on what you need to offer! Sometimes you need to offer far above list price and sometimes you can offer below list price. In the last three months we have closed deals that are $300,000 below list price and have not been able to get under contract offers for $40,000 over list price! Let me repeat this.  List price has no bearing on value! Get an agent you trust,  have your agent prepare a cma on the property and then determine what it’s worth to you. Remember, no matter what when you as a buyer get a home under contract initially you will feel that you offered too much and when you don’t get an offer accepted it is normal to think you didn’t offer enough! Put your best foot forward and base it on the information from your agent so you make the right decision.

Third must know for buyers:

Agents are to provide information and advise; however,  you as the buyer are the one who makes ALL decisions. The Jones team provides our buyers with the information they need in order to make an informed decision. Buyers should also interview the team of other professionals their agent has a working relationship with such as  loan officers, title reps, and home inspectors. We can’t tell you how many times we have helped buyers and they want to use an Aunt who does loans part time, or a friend who is an unemployed contractor to do the home inspection or the person that is going to save them a ton of money. Whenever a buyer is using people we have never worked with or people that do it part time or the person that was going to save them a ton of money,  9 out of 10 times that transaction will turn into a stressful mess for the buyer. The Jones Team recommends the team of professionals that we do because of years of firsthand experience and a track record of providing exceptional service. 

Happy house hunting and remember,  feel free to call text or email us  any questions or to schedule a showing.!