91.4 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
0.54 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Get a home inspection to evaluate the safety and overall condition of your new home, even if it appears flawless.
89.0 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
0.78 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Before you start house hunting, get preapproved for a mortgage loan.
89.0 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
0.27 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: When you want to ask or tell the seller something, always go through your real estate agent.
87.5 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
0.83 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Get the seller to put every component of the deal and any verbal agreement into writing.
83.0 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
0.78 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Include important contingencies, such as financing and property inspections, with your offer.
82.4 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
0.27 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Come up with a realistic wish list. Find out what you can afford in terms of house size, neighborhood and amenities.
75.6 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
1.7 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Know as much about the local market as you can. Use your agent’s CMA to learn about the selling price of comparable homes and the strength of the local real estate market.
68.5 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
1.11 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Decide what’s most important to you before the negotiation so you know what parts of your offer you’re most comfortable giving up.
57.7 of agents say this is a very important tip.
1.36 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Look into programs for first-time homebuyers. See if you qualify for the lower interest rates, low down payment options and down payment assistance programs some banks and governmental organizations offer first-time homebuyers.
54.7 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
7.61 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Don’t just work with the first real estate agent you come across! Do your homework and find one you’re comfortable with.
43.9 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
5.8 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: When you begin negotiating on a specific property, know of other houses you’d be interested in buying. You don’t want to be so desperate to buy a certain house that you give in to whatever the seller wants.
40.6 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
9 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Avoid including unnecessary contingencies in your offer. Doing so will make it less attractive.
39.8 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
4.8 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Avoid long, drawn-out negotiations, which can negatively affect the chances of your offer being accepted. (Also, make sure to employ these real estate negotiation tactics.)
37.9 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
4.7 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Shop around for at least several mortgage quotes before choosing one.
32.1 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
10.1 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Ask for more than you want during negotiations, without asking too much. You can “give in” to the seller without actually giving up the things you want!
31.9 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
7.1 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Talk to neighbors to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to live in the neighborhoods of homes you are interested in. While doing so, gauge if you would like to live next to these people for the foreseeable future. Bad neighbors can affect your property’s value.
24.9 percent of agents say this is a very important tip.
27.5 percent of agents don’t recommend this tip.
The tip: Establish a connection with the sellers. You may be able to get a better deal if the sellers see you as a person, not just an opportunity.