You may not need a magnifying glass or a deerstalker hat, but thinking like your favorite fictional detective can give you an edge when looking for your dream home. Sherlock Holmes, for example, would likely advise you to draw conclusions based on what you see. Cracks in the walls could point to foundation problems. Loose caulking around the windows might indicate rot. Squeaky, uneven floors may be harbingers of expensive repairs.
It’s elementary, as Holmes might say.
Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, on the other hand, would recommend you put your brain cells to work. As a savvy homebuyer, you would quickly figure out the fact that outdated, poor-quality kitchen cabinets; old-style wiring; and plumbing problems will mean an expensive renovation, thanks to your own brain cells.
J.D. Robb’s mid-21st-century detective, Eve Dallas, might use high-tech gizmos to decide whether the house would fit your family’s lifestyle. But all you really need is a tape measure to check room sizes and storage. And don’t forget the garage. Will the family cars, workshop and sports gear all fit? In the guise of Ruth Rendell’s moody detective, Adam Dalgliesh, you could stroll around the outside of the house with an eye to water pooled around the foundation (implying poor drainage) or crumbling bricks that will soon need repointing. And while you’re there, you might want to think like Christie’s Miss Marple and make inquiries about the neighbors and the neighborhood. With her legendary understanding of the dark side of human nature, you may find that all is not as it seems.
Finally, if your inner detective decides the house is for you, well, it’s not over yet. It’s now time to call in the expert. The home inspector is your final solution. Even Holmes and Poirot would understand that.
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Buying a Home? It Pays to Think Like a Detective
Monday, July 18th, 2011Offer Rejected? Here’s What You Should Do
Friday, July 1st, 2011The home buying process can be stressful, particularly for first-time buyers. But even seasoned buyers can be disappointed when their first offer is rejected. Luckily, in real estate, “no” doesn’t usually mean “no.” It simply means “let’s talk.” And it’s here that you can be glad you have a qualified real estate agent in your corner, because at that point it’s all about negotiation. A rejected offer is not uncommon. As your real estate agent will explain, it sets the stage for what can be a long process.
Just as you and your agent worked hard on a first offer that was fair but less than your bottom line, you’ll both have to work hard now on a compromise. In the case of multiple bids, your real estate agent might recommend you cut to the chase and submit your bottom-line offer.
Your real estate agent will likely point out to the seller’s agent that this is your best offer. Take it or leave it. You run the risk of losing, but if you’re a first-time buyer, you may not have the resources for a bidding war.
In most offers there are other items that can be the basis of trade-offs. These include closing dates, closing costs, inclusions and needed repairs. No matter how much you want the high-end stove and refrigerator, don’t tie your real estate agent’s hands by insisting that those appliances be included. You may lose your dream home for a few thousand dollars. And don’t let emotion get in the way. That’s why you have someone to negotiate for you. When you hire a me, you can be sure that I am highly trained and have years of experience in negotiations. You’re in good hands, so relax and let go.