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Powerful Buying Strategies

Don't get "pre-qualified"- get pre-approved! Getting pre-qualified is a start but in today's financial world, it is not enough when starting the home buying process. This is due to the fact that none of your information has been verified. Pre-approved is the status after your information has been checked and APPROVED for a loan. This is a great weapon to use for negotiating with the seller.

If you have a home or property that you need to sell, it is best to sell it before you select a house to buy. Offers that are based on contingency to sell a home aren't selected by Sellers and contingency to close a home that is in Escrow are often not chosen as well.

Make a list - on one side the positives things you would like in your new home and the other side is a list of things you do not want. When looking at different homes use this list as a way to rate the properties you look at - just like a scorecard. This can help avoid confusion.

Make sure you and your agent see enough properties available in your requirement field. Too many can become very confusing but you also don't want to make a decision on a home until you feel you have seen enough to pick the best one.

Don't call ads. Agents create ads to make the phone ring. Remember what is not mentioned in the ad can be more important than what is. The ad is written for the sole purpose of selling. If you see a home that catches your attention, let us know where you saw it and we will look into it for you!

The Smith Team is here to service you and has your best interests in mind as a buyer's broker. To get the best buy on a property, hire one agent and stick with them.

6 Ways to Beat the Stress of Buying a Home

I always tell clients that Death, Divorce and Moving are the 3 most stressful situations you will ever encounter in your lifetime.

There are 2 different kinds of needs that people will have when moving.

  1. The transactional needs- finding a house that fits your vision, finding a seller that is realistic, negotiating the price, filling out the paperwork, handling the escrow and arranging for the move.
  2. The emotional needs- these needs are involved with the actual move and here lies the biggest stress issues. The ideal real estate agent helps fulfill your emotional needs by guiding and counseling you through your emotional ups and downs, as well as being competent with your numbers and paperwork.

To Beat the Stress:

  1. Figure out your ultimate goal – what are you looking for your life to look like when you finally get there. Keep your end goal in mind. This will keep you focused and energized.
  2. Flexibility is important – monetarily overestimate your calculations by $1000. This way when seller an unexpected situation arises, and they usually do – example -unwilling to fix an area of concern, or interest rates may change on down payment.
  3. Don't panic – There is so much to do, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Trust in the process. Remember that each step you take brings you closer to your goal.
  4. Feel you have no control – it seems as if everyone (lender, seller, inspector) has yes or no power to your moving plans.
  5. Ask, "What are my options" when things do not go as smoothly as you had hoped.
  6. Seek a diversion when there is nothing you can do regarding a situation and have to wait for a result.


The Smith Team are experts at moving and the many scenario's that come along with this major experience. We are here to guide and educate you as best we can. We will do our best to let you know what to expect ahead of time so you will not feel ignorant or out of control. Your best interests take center stage. We provide information and recommendations for any questions you will have. On the monetary side, The Smith Team will negotiate effectively for you to get the best price possible for your new home. We treat your money as if it were ours, keeping the expenses you incur to a minimum. The Smith Team keeps a detailed account of your transactions during escrow, protecting your interests is our prime focus.

The Smith Team will continue to be your team after we deliver your closing paperwork – We want to be your team for LIFE!

Buying Strategies Home Seller Tips