I often ask clients, “Tell me about your ideal home.” This gives them the chance to really think about what’s important to them and clues me in on their tastes. Now sometimes, their dream home and their pocketbooks don’t match and we start narrowing the search to a few choice desires or needs. Then we go shopping. This is the fun part.

I’ve always loved this job. And have some heartwarming stories of families finding and purchasing their first home. I’ve also had some great experiences with folks who are buying a 2nd getaway home. I happen to work in an area that people vacation in regularly. I feel very fortunate.

But back to being realistic in a home search. Most people are savvy enough to talk to a mortgage lender first to see what they qualify for and how much their payments will be every month. So now we start our search with those initial desires or needs in mind, in a price range that’s acceptable. Smart, yes? Indeed.

And we take a look at as many as the client feels is necessary to make an educated decision. While it’s not unusual to fall in love with the first house, it’s always a good idea to look at others for comparison.

So, we find the one.

And without delay we write an offer.

Now, keep in mind, the market has changed a bit here in San Diego and the inventory is a bit higher than a year ago. But homes are generally priced at market value so the offer to purchase is important. I don’t believe in “low-balling”, putting an offer in at a much lower bid just to see what the seller will take. This usually just offends both the listing agent and seller and if your client really wants the house, the relationship between the parties will always be a bit distrustful. If the suggestion is made to offer a low price, my standard reply is for the buyer to be realistic about how much they would pay for the house – no games – if they won’t pay what is being asked, at least offer what you will spend right up front. This is honest and I can, with confidence, approach the listing agent with a serious offer.

Then the game begins… negotiation. But that’s a subject for another day…

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