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If you are buying in the current competitive Lynden, WA real estate market, you may be wondering what you can do to successfully put it an offer on a home and have it accepted. I have covered this topic before by providing tips for both buyers and sellers but Trulia recently blogged about some ideas that are worth sharing. If you feel like you haven’t been navigating this market in the way you hoped, check these ideas out.
Be Prepared
This is not news and definitely something we have blogged about before. In order to prove you are serious to sellers who have listed their home for sale in Lynden, WA, you need to get your ducks in a row ahead of time. This means getting your finances in order so you can get pre-approved (not pre-qualified). This also means finding homes within your budget that match your NEEDS and some wants. No home is perfect, but there will be some non negotiable needs when it comes to your future Lynden, WA real estate. For example, this could be beds, baths, school zones, etc. Knowing this ahead of time saves you time, as well as your Lynden, WA realtors AND the sellers. Once you are pre-approved AND you know what you are looking for, you can make an offer with full confidence. Not to mention, if you are the most prepared buyer, the seller is likely going to choose your offer as one of their top contenders, if not the one they accept.
Be Strategic
Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, being strategic is key. This could be with the contingencies or the closing date, but know what you need and be upfront about it. If you are a first time home buyer making an offer on a home for sale in Lynden, WA, you have a little more flexibility to let the seller pick the closing date compared to someone who has to close on their own home first. This could also make your offer stand out compared to others. If you have a home for sale in Lynden, WA that you need to get sold first, that is ok too. Simply be honest about your timeline when offers come in.
Consider the fixer upper
Listen, no one is asking you to by Chip & Joanna Gaines. However, when it comes to buying Lynden, WA real estate, be open to finding a home that needs a little TLC. It may not be turn key ready, but if it matches your “Must Have Needs” and is in your price point? Don’t overlook it. However, you need to be realistic about this. If the home could use a little love but is livable and things can be done over time, go ahead. If the home is a complete tear down and you don’t have to budget to get it to where it needs to be, keep looking. Your Lynden, WA realtor will be able to advise on this as well. Just keep in mind that buying the worst house in the best neighborhood has perks….like having instant equity after adding some updates.
This market has proven to be tough on buyers with the lack of inventory, increasing prices and mortgage rates that continue to hover around historically low numbers. There is the pressure to lock in a great rate and find a home before prices and interest climb, but that has proven hard with the low level of listings available. Whatever you do, be open minded and prepare yourself from the start to be taken seriously. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. As a local Lynden, WA realtor, I am happy to help.
