If you’re the independent type who prefers to avoid all Realtor involvement and work directly with an owner, because you believe there are better bargains that way . . .
. . . here are some questions to prepare for so that things go as smoothly as possible:
- Is the price realistic? How do you tell?
- How “motivated” is the Seller – is he really interested in selling, or is he just testing the market? How easy will he be to deal with?
- Negotiations: are you prepared to haggle and get the lowest price you can? Can you do this without offending the Seller?
- Costs: what expenses will you be required to pay in addition to the purchase price?
- Contracts: What form of contract will you use? Which conditions should you insist upon and which are less important? When do the buyer and seller become legally bound by the contract?
- Do you need an attorney or will a Title Company be ok?
- Timing: how soon do you want to buy the house? How should you agree a closing date?
- Performance: what are your rights if the Seller backs out of the contract after it’s signed? How do you guard against this?
- Finance: what happens if the finance company doesn’t come up with the money until after the contract closing date??
- Repairs: who pays for the repairs that your Home Inspection (“Survey” in UK terms) will reveal?
All of these questions can be answered with the right amount of research and/or experience. Indeed, some buyers enjoy working their way through the process. On the other hand, if you think you might need help in dealing with the issues, contact us for an initial discussion by filling in and sending off the inquiry form here.