Tips For Every Home Buyer | Linda Trevor

I had the pleasure of working with Linda Trevor and her team of Compass Realty for updated headshots, branding photos and group shots in the summer of 2021. Raleigh’s housing market is now ranked number 3 in the nation by Zillow (and expected to jump even higher on that list by year end) so now more than ever working with an experienced team of realtors can make all the difference when purchasing the house of your dreams. We rented Junction West in Downtown Raleigh and it was the perfect clean, white backdrop for the shoot.

I am thrilled to have a guest post from the Linda Trevor & Co. team with some tips to tackling this complicated market as a Raleigh homebuyer. Keep scrolling to the bottom to see more images of the team from their shoot!

The 4 Tips Every Raleigh Home Buyer Needs to Know in 2022

If you’ve been house-hunting for a while, you’ve probably noticed that today’s real estate market is more than just a little competitive. Low mortgage rates, high demand, and dwindling inventory have created ideal conditions for sellers—but it’s still very possible to score a fantastic deal on a home.

Want to know the secret to buying a home in 2021? Here are four tips that can help you take back control in a seller-driven market.

1. Get your finances in order
First and foremost, you need to get your finances in order before you even consider looking at homes. Start by paying off as much debt as you can and increasing your credit score. It’s also a good idea to keep track of just how much you have saved for a down payment. Sellers are more likely to choose buyers who can put down at least 15% or pay cash.

Want to strengthen your offer even more? Get preapproved or attach a higher earnest money deposit to show a seller you’re serious about buying their home.

2. Know what you want
Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the little details—which is why it’s crucial to do your research in advance. Connect with a local agent early on to discuss your home-buying goals. A good agent will help you hone in on your budget, wants, and needs, as well as the right area or neighborhood.

3. Prepare for a bidding war
According to a recent survey, more than half of all buyers found themselves in a bidding war last year. And while the idea of competing against other home-seekers might seem overwhelming, there are a few things you can do to stand out.
If you’re trying to score a house with multiple bids, send in your best and final offer up front.  It’s also a good idea to consider homes below your budget, especially if you have your heart set on a popular neighborhood. This gives you some flexibility if you end up in a bidding war.

4. Appeal to the seller
Even if you find yourself in a bidding war, it’s still possible to come out ahead. Believe it or not, sellers don’t always choose the highest offer, even if it far exceeds the original asking price.

You can appeal to a seller’s peace of mind by limiting your contingencies, offering to pay closing costs, and letting them choose the closing date. Adding these extra bonuses might seem minor, but they can really impact a seller’s final decision.

Only Buy with the Best
Working with a top-notch agent can help you navigate 2021’s crazy real estate market with ease. So if you’re looking for some guidance, it’s time to give us a call!  Whether you’re at the beginning of the buying process or are already searching for a home, you can trust us to help you find your perfect place.

About Linda Trevor & Co.

We are an experienced team of REALTORS®, dedicated to making your home buying or selling experience worry free…even enjoyable!  We specialize in the areas of residential sales, relocation and investment properties in the Greater Raleigh area. Each member on our team is one of the most skilled and caring in the business. Together, our team has 55+ years of experience and has successfully marketed and sold thousands of homes in real estate in the Raleigh Triangle area since 2004. Currently, we are humbled and honored to be among the Top 1% of REALTORS® for volume sold nationwide. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you! Find them online at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and www.LindaTrevor.com.