Sheila Cohoon Buyer's Guide Summer 2022

3. Lean on a Real Estate Professional No matter what the housing market looks like, rely on a trusted real estate advisor. As Freddie Mac says: “The success of your homebuying journey largely depends on the company you keep. . . . Be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid any pitfalls.” Agents are experts in the local real estate market with insight into what’s worked for other buyers in the area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. Your agent will help you understand how to cater to what a seller needs, so your offer stands out. 4. Make a Strong, but Fair Offer According tothe Realtors Confidence Index from NAR, 61% of properties sold above the list price. That means when you’ve found your dream home, offering below or even at a home’s asking price may not be enough right now. Lean on your agent to help you understand the market value of the home and recent sales trends in the area so you can craft your best offer. 5. Be a Flexible Negotiator When putting together an offer, your trusted real estate advisor will help you consider which levers you can pull, including contract contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). Of course, there are certain contingencies you don’t want to give up, like the home inspection . Freddie Mac explains: “Ahome inspection contingency gives you the opportunity to have the entire home you'd like to purchase examined by a professional before you close on your contract. Without this contingency, you could be contracted on a house you can't afford to fix.”

Bottom Line Today’s competitive landscape makes it more important than ever to make a strong offer on a home. Let’s connect to make sure you rise to the top along the way.

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