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Step 3: Narrowing the Choices Once you've become familiar with the local market through MLS research and property viewings, you will be well positioned to know the "right" property for you when you see it. Many of my clients will tell me that they knew they were going to make an offer on a home as soon as they set foot in the door. Even if it takes a little longer than that, finding the home that you want to purchase is an exciting event that sets off, truly, the long, complicated process of making a new home yours.
Give the Process Time
You may want to purchase the first home you see, but in all likelihood, you will view anywhere between ten and twenty properties before submitting an offer. As your agent, I will guide you toward homes that I feel meet your stated needs and wants. Only you, however, can determine the level of "fit" of any given home. This is one reason why it's so important to share your thoughts with me as we start viewing homes together. It's OK to be critical--the owners will never hear your comments unless you allow me to share them! In response to your reactions, I will take time to point out to you any changes (cosmetic and structural) that in my experience might make the home more pleasing to live in and more profitable at resale. As we establish an open dialogue together, the refining search process will become efficient, rewarding and, ultimately, successful.
Placing Multiple Offers
Sometimes, my clients and I find two (or, rarely, more) homes to decide between. Because an offer to purchase becomes a binding contract once signed by both parties, I would never suggest to a client that we submit two signed offers and "see what happens." Though some agents would do this without thinking twice, I interpret my ethical duty of honesty and fairness to the sellers (and their agent) to mean that I should not present an offer that I cannot stand 100% behind. In such a case, I would recommend that we look at all the circumstances carefully and submit an offer on the home with the best fit. We can write into the offer itself an aggressive response contingency (a time and date by which an agreement must be reached and signed off on by all parties). That way, if it becomes clear that the first offer will not be successfully negotiated, we can determine that quickly and move on to the second choice. Opinions on how to handle this and similar situations do vary, and it's another great question to ask of potential agents when you're interviewing for representation.
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