It's that time again, when the Winchester area real estate market is as hot as the summer sun. Low inventory, multiple-offers, and offers that soar over asking price are great for sellers, not so much for buyers. If you're looking for an edge to ensure you get the home you want, here are a few tips.
Up your budget
If you're a first-time buyer looking in a lower price range, you're in the most competitive market. Getting pre-approved for a little more could move you into a higher price bracket and eliminate some competition. Adding even a few thousand dollars could make the difference, and the change to your monthly mortgage payment will be negligible.
Cut associated expenses
If you're worried about upping your budget, think of ways to save on associated expenses, and put that money into your mortgage instead. Look for homes without a homeowner's association. That could save you several hundred dollars per month. Look at areas where you don't have to pay a toll for your daily commute (or, better yet, where you don't have to drive at all). Those savings add up.
Watch the contingencies
"Sellers have the upper hand in a multiple-bid situation, and they want offers that are clean and concise," says NerdWallet. Asking the seller to pay closing costs, purchase a home warranty, or requesting that they make small repairs like fixing a leaky faucet can get your offer thrown in the trash.
Be flexible
In a multiple-offer situation, the seller is looking for the easiest path to closing. The trick is finding out what they really want—beyond the right price, of course. It could be that a shorter closing would do the trick. Or maybe you can offer them the opportunity to rent back until they're ready to make their move.
Consider an escalation clause
An escalation clause is a real estate contract, sometimes called an escalator, that lets a home buyer say "I will pay x price for this home, but if the seller receives another offer that's higher than mine, I'm willing to increase my offer to y price." In theory, an escalation clause is fairly simple.
Write a letter
Yes, writing a letter to the seller telling them all about you and why you love their home is shameless pandering, but sometimes shameless pandering works. Include a picture and don't hesitate to include your cute kids or four-legged friends.