Elk Grove Real Estate – Sacramento Real Estate – Short Sales – Distressed Property Solutions, Stacey Wilson Realtor CRS

Buyers

1.  Know what you can afford!
How much money do you have available for the down payment investment, and how much money you can borrow?  Unless you’re paying all cash for your property, meeting with a qualified mortgage professional is essential.  If you don’t already know a seasoned, local lending professional, call me.  I will put you in touch with the best I know.

2.  Have a pre-approval letter ready.
Your mortgage broker should provide you with a pre-approved for a loan so that you will be a solid buyer when you make that offer.  This pre-approval is essential – no seller will take you seriously without one.

3. Know the Market
In this market, the list price is generally not the selling price.  That house around the corner may have come on the market at $599,000, but odds are good that’s not what it sold for. When you work with me I will fill you in on what any property sold for and offer opinions on the value of properties that are currently available.

4.  Make a list of which items are ‘must haves’ and which items are ‘not required.’
“Must haves” are usually things like parking, a yard and particular neighborhoods. “Not required” items might be a master suite or remodeled kitchen. Keep in mind that limiting your ‘must haves’ can widen your options, especially if you let go of popular ones like a big back yard or additional bathrooms.

5.  Make yourself available for showings.
The best properties move quickly and it’s important to get in to see them as soon as they come to market.  Don’t wait until the last minute!  When you decide later that you want to view it, it just may already have an offer – or two – on it.

6.  Be ready to write an offer. This means you need to be emotionally prepared to become a real estate owner!  I can make the process smooth for you, but you need to be ready to take on the responsibilities and rewards of owning property.