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Step 2: Identify Possibilities Finalize Your Home Criteria
One of your first tasks as a buyer is to sit down and make a list of requirements for your new home. Of course, your family's unique situation will provide you a strong guide: for example, the number of people in your family will point you to the number of bedrooms you will need. As you think about it, you will probably find that your needs fall into one of three categories: "Must Haves" and "Would Likes." Additionally, you will probably determine a number of characteristics that should "Definitely Not" be present in the home you are looking for (house styles commonly fall into the *NOT* category). Take time to discuss each through with the other members of your family, then share your list with me.
I always review these lists carefully with my clients. Often, based on my experience, I will have thoughts and opinions about my clients' families needs--perhaps even some that conflict with their own. Sometimes, my experienced perspective can help you refine your needs and wants list and ultimately help you maximize the opportunity to find the right new home. Even if you decide not to change anything, your decision will be a more thorough, thoughtful one with some expert agent participation.
Automated searching
Once we have a list to work from, I will use your criteria to set up searches for matching homes in your price range. Depending on your timeframe, I can tailor the list frequency to your taste--once a day or once a week, whatever works best for you. In cases where time is short, I will consult the MLSes multiple times in a day for new or changed listings that meet your needs. Whatever the schedule, we will review the listing sheets of available homes together at a mutually agreeable time and select those providing the best fit for your family for viewing.
NOTE: Generally, more than one database of listings, or Multiple Listing Services (MLS), must be searched to maximize the number of matching properties. Few agents have access to both MLS systems. Luckily for you, I do!
Viewing and Previewing
Depending on the time you have available (and the interest level you have in this part of the process), you may start viewing properties immediately. I understand that many of my clients work standard (or not so standard) hours, and I am happy to adjust my schedule wherever I possibly can to accomodate yours. Evenings and weekends are all part of my standard working day!
The Benefits of Previewing
If it is preferable to you, I will be happy to preview the list of homes for you and report back to you my thoughts on each property. Agent previewing saves you time and makes the time you do put in much more efficient. Once previewing is complete and I've shared my first-hand impressions with you, you can select the "cream of the crop" to tour yourself.
Trust, of course, is the key to successful previewing. If you've chosen your agent well, you will trust him or her to understand how each home fits with your needs and wants. So how do you know you have a great agent? Well, good communication is a great start. You are, after all, expecting me to be candid with you about each home's opportunities and challenges without having to see them yourself.
Building Trust
Sometimes, it makes sense to go touring homes with me for the first round or two and then allow him or her to begin previewing. Generally, I recommend this with clients whom I do not know very well. When we're out viewing together, I get the benefit of seeing how you react in real time to homes that you do see. Watching you interact with spaces and materials is far more informative than you might imagine, particularly to the experienced eye. As we view properties together and share our ideas and thoughts with each other, we will gradually build some patterns of communication. The quality of my input, of course, will help you determine your level of trust in me. At some point, we will both agree that the level of my understanding is satisfactory and that the basis of trust has been established. I will then begin the previewing process.
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