How can you find the best buys in any market? Sometimes they stand out like a sore thumb and other times they are sleepers concealed by neglect, atrocious decorating and deferred maintenance. Often buyers simply never see them. If Fido is yelping in the backyard and there is no lockbox on the front door (or nearby) it soon becomes classified as difficult to show. Even if it is an outstanding buy for one reason or another many prospective buyers may never see it. There are too many obstacles between you and the interior.
It all begins with price. Everyone has a budget. However, do not shop entirely by price. Price is one of the easiest things to change through artful and intelligent negotiating if it is out of line with current market values or the condition warrants a discount.
The pretty ones are popular. Agents like to show the in-crowd listings. They show beautifully, they are staged to sell and often they are easy to show. Don't be swayed by too much gloss and cosmetic glow if you are looking for a deal. You're shopping for a diamond in the rough you can polish to your heart's content, and the hard work you're willing to do should be reflected in the price.
Shop outside the box. Most prospective buyers have a first choice neighborhood and a list of "I wants" when they begin their search for a home. Often the two collide with the price they can afford. Stepping over your original boundaries may open up new neighborhoods with new opportunities.
Happy house hunting. If you would like an experienced guide it would be a pleasure to act as your agent on your big adventure.
More Buyer's Tips from Norma!
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333
PalosVerdesLifestyle- Norma's award winning site as the best Palos Verdes homes and real estate blog since 2007. Selected by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Awarded 5 out of 5 stars by Lender411 blog review. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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Norma excellent points...very well written.
Thanks, Tammie. Buyers are frustrated the house they want is not available--it's out there, but they may need to expand the boundaries of their search.
Stepping over your original boundaries may open up new neighborhoods with new opportunities.
The above quote from you has been a win-win (along with shopping for overpriced houses and putting lowballs or just market priced offers on them) since our market changed to a seller's market! Great advice!
Hi there today Norma. How are you? Great tips for hunting down the gems for buyers. A good Realtor (like yourself) is the consumer's best guide...
I've found it useful to help my Clients separate their needs from their wants from their goals. Too many think they are one and the same.