Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Eileen Summers, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.Phone: (703) 244-3190
Email: [email protected]

What You Need To Steer Clear Of When House Hunting

by Eileen Summers 10/21/2018

If you’re in the market to buy a home soon, you probably have a long list of things to look for. You also are most likely focused on savings and shopping around for the best mortgage rates. You may know everything that you should do when you’re buying a home, but has anyone told you what you shouldn’t do? Read on to discover some of the worst practices of people searching for a home. 


Lack Of Research


You need to search for a home before you even set out to look at properties in person. While you’ll want to work with a realtor, you should know what you want before you start working with him. Your agent will be able to set up alerts for you that enable you to see properties put on the market as soon as they become available. This search will be tailored to your wants such as a large yard, master bathroom, or separate dining area. If you understand what your needs will cost you in relation to your budget ahead of time, working with a real estate agent will be a more fruitful experience.


Not Letting Your Real Estate Agent Do Their Job


Real estate agents are experts in the housing market. Your agent will research prices and help you to understand what a reasonable offer on a property will be. Your agent has the tools to get you the information you need to make an informed offer on a property. Sellers get insulted if an offer is well below the asking price. Trust that your agent knows what he’s talking about. 


You’ll have a close relationship with your agent throughout the house hunting process. You’ll need to make arrangements with your agent to go to open houses and home showings. Your agent will accommodate you to the best of his ability. All you need to do is communicate with them. 


Not Looking Beyond The Online Search


If you are out and about and see a property for sale that interests you, don’t assume that it’s out of your reach. Sometimes the online searches miss things. A property may include (or not include) something that you’re looking for. You can take down the address where you saw the “for sale” sign and speak with your real estate agent about it.


Skimming Over Properties


When you have the opportunity to look at a property, really take the time to view it. You can miss a lot of details by quickly going over a property due to your first impression. There’s a lot of things that you may not see if you don’t look at the details of a home as you walk through it.       


About the Author
Author

Eileen Summers

• 23 years of highly successful Real Estate Experience in Northern Virginia • Expertise in the Northern Virginia marketplace • Excellent technology skills • Enthusiastic and Professional • Top Quality Service A 30 year resident of No. Virginia and a Graduate of the REALTORS Institute, Eileen is a Lifetime Member of the L&F Founder's Club as well as a Lifetime Member of the President's and Chairman's Club, and on the L&F Gold Team. She is an NVAR Life Top Producer and a Life member of the NVAR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club. Her excellent knowledge of the marketplace combined with experience, enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and professionalism provide clients and customers with top quality service. E-mail or phone Eileen for more information on her listings and/or for a free computerized Market Analysis of your home (Northern Virginia area homes). • 20 Years Real Estate experience in Northern Virginia • Expertise in the Northern Virginia Marketplace • Excellent all-round Technology Skills Specialities: • New Construction • Resale Residential • Specializes in Relocations