#1
Failing to use the services of an experienced REALTOR.
Many times buyers avoid using the services of a REALTOR under the mistaken
belief that it costs them money - or that they will be able to negotiate
a better deal directly with the seller or seller's real estate agent. This can be
an expensive mistake.
If you are negotiating directly with the seller or seller's real estate agent,
you may not be taking advantage of the best deal available in the marketplace
today! You can have your own REALTOR, a Buyer Broker or Purchaser's
Agent, who is committed to using the experience gained through hundreds
of successful negotiations for your benefit - at no charge
to you! Your agent can be paid from the same commission that the seller's real estate agent is paid from - by the seller.
Real Estate is a unique business, where an agent with one day's experience
and no sales gets paid the same as real estate agents with several years experience
and hundreds of successful sales. An experienced agent can help you
avoid the other costly mistakes outlined here, and make your home buying
experience an enjoyable, stress-free one!
#2
Not knowing who the agent is really working for. It is
important for buyers to know and understand for whom the agent helping
with the house hunting is actually working. The agent may be working
as a sub agent - representing the seller's best interests during negotiations
- or as your agent representing your best interests during negotiations.
If you are not sure who your agent is working for - ask for clarification.
Your REALTOR must fully explain agency. When negotiations commence,
wouldn't you want to know whether information you divulge will be used
for the seller's benefit - or your's?
#3
Failing to have a Comparative Market Analysis prepared before offering.
Before you make an offer to purchase that special home, you must have
a good idea what the market value is to ensure you do not overpay. Your
agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis showing what similar
homes have recently sold for, and the difference between the asking
and selling prices. This is the same type of report the seller receives
when deciding on an asking price. Wouldn't you like to have access to
the same information as the seller?
#4
Failing to recognize different negotiating styles and strategies.
Many buyers think that the way to achieve a fair purchase price is by
offering low. This is the strategy of the buyer who is not in possession
of all the facts essential to negotiating the best possible deal. Many
times that type of strategy will polarize negotiations and lead to inflexibility
on part of the seller - or worse yet - failed negotiations!
If you have chosen your REALTOR wisely, the most effective strategies
for this particular situation will be revealed to you. Remember, in
the real estate business, an agent with many successfully closed transactions
usually costs the same as someone who is inexperienced. That experience
could mean a better deal at the negotiating table with a minimum amount
of hassles.
#5
Failing to have the home
inspected by a competent home inspection company.
Buying a home is a major purchase usually made after spending just half
an hour looking at the home. Isn't it worth ensuring you will not be
surprised later with deficiencies costing thousands? Your REALTOR can
recommend several reputable companies for you to choose from, and will
ensure the appropriate clause is inserted in the offer.
#6
Not knowing and understanding your rights and obligations set out in
the Offer To Purchase. It is important to understand completely
the terms of the Offer to Purchase. Wrong assumptions, poorly written
or missing clauses, and not understanding how the clauses affect the
purchase, can lead to increased costs or a void contract. An experienced
REALTOR can thoroughly explain the agreement to you and help you to
fulfill your contractual obligations.
#7
Letting emotion blind reason. Buying a home is an exciting
time and is usually an emotional decision. It is important that those
emotions be validated by facts and reason. An experienced agent will
help to remove the emotion from the negotiating process and provide
you with the information you need to make the right decisions.
#8
Failing to take the steps to be financially pre-qualified, and having
an interest rate guarantee before looking at homes.
Knowing how much you can comfortably afford will ensure you are looking
in the right price range and prevent you from buying a home that will
strain you financially and emotionally. Having an interest rate guarantee
will protect you in times of fluctuating rates and ensure that your
initial projected payments do not suddenly escalate, resulting in extra
interest charges. An experienced REALTOR can help you initiate this
process and can also recommend alternative sources of financing.
Being aware of these Big Time mistakes
will help ensure you receive best value for your dollar when the time comes to buy your home!
Reprinted with permission from the Buying a Home website.
