and finding the right house.
PLAN FOR ENOUGH TIME UGH TIME
Schedule enough time for yourself to go through each property slowly, carefully, and thoroughly. You want to do a proper inspection rather than just rushing through. If you already know, based on a few things the listing agent has mentioned, or something that you’ve noticed yourself, that this is definitely not your home, then feel free to politely speed up the process or even politely decline. Otherwise, take your time and plan for it. You could potentially be living there for many years, so a quick stroll will not suffice! You need time to formulate an opinion and make an informed decision. Be thorough, but only if you haven’t dismissed the property, and if you’re seriously considering its potential. Go through every room. Check out closets and crawl spaces. Open up drawers, cabinets, and cupboards. Look behind and underneath furniture; lift up rugs, if necessary. Walk through the yard and garage, if applicable. It’s not rude to look for imperfections or defects, and sellers aren’t legally obligated to point out every single one, so be proactive! You need to know exactly what you’re getting for such a major investment and commitment. Plan for about two hours to go through each home. Research suggests that when buyers spend a longer time viewing a home, they’re more likely to pay below asking price.
WATCH FOR STAGING
Staging, discussed previously, is a technique that sellers use to make their home look fresh, modern, up-to-date, inviting, and appealing. While it’s a great strategy to use for sellers who need to sell their home, it’s also a strategy that buyers should pay attention to. For example, a strategically lit room might be drawing attention from a problem area. A nice rocking chair
121
Powered by FlippingBook