Seattle real estate - Sometimes it can't be both...

I love deals in Seattle real estate and I am all about getting my clients great deals, but sometimes in situations it is also important just to get them the house.  These are lives that we are affecting and it is important to determine which is more important:  Getting them a deal or getting them THE house.  Of course, it is possible to do both as well, but sometimes you have to choose....

I find myself on the sidelines of real estate for a change....

I am in a very different situation right now where two of my three siblings are in the process of trying to buy a house.  Both of them are out of state and I have referred them off (thank you to the great Active Rain agents helping!). 

Both siblings are in at the point right now where they are kicking themselves because they didn't just go in strong to begin with.  Both siblings in two different states were under the impression that because of the media and overall market that they could go in with lower offers and really try and get a steal.  Both siblings were wrong in both cases, and both of them now find themselves in multiple offer situations.  I nagged them both repeatedly to put in stronger offers to begin with and now they are finding themselves really wanting the houses and at risk of not getting them. 

Right place at the right time...

If you want a deal, that is great - just have the mindset that there are other houses out there for you.  There are deals out there, but there are also a lot of people out there trying to scoop them up despite what the news might be chanting these days.  Yes, it is true, there are fewer mortgage programs and fewer buyers out there competing, but the qualified fence sitters are there.  They have been there all along waiting and watching and they know that house is a good deal, too.

Right house...

If you on the other hand, want the house and know it is THE house, then don't haggle over smaller differences in price only to have it scooped out from under you.  If you are dealing with a very specific set of criteria when looking for a home and you happen to find one that actually meets all of your needs and all of your wants, then you should put in a strong offer!  Ask yourself whether not it would be okay with you if another buyer came along and beat you by that thousand dollars you were trying to knock off the price.  Would you kick yourself if it was another five thousand or ten thousand?  You have to know your limit, but you also have to know how high you are really willing to go if it is THE right house.

Final thoughts? 

Seattle is the same way - there are deals and good houses and deals on good houses and these bring many prospects.  I hope both my siblings get the house, but I wish they had just listened to me to begin with.  This is my job after all.  I am pretty sure that I am qualified to give them advice - both as the big sister and the real estate broker. 

Are you interested in Seattle real estate?  realestate@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle & Seattle Suburb New Construction How To s 

I recently saw a question on another site about new construction and pricing and whether or not you could get a deal on a Seattle suburb new construction house.  It seems the buyer's agent had told them that there was absolutely no bargaining power with a builder.  Essentially, this Seattle area buyer was told to pay full price and not try to negotiate.   HELLO????  Sorry, but as a buyer, even in a hot market, you should always try to get a good deal for yourself!!!  That is why you hire us!!!!  I consider myself an advocate for hot deals and responsible representation, and I am not alone!  There are many great agents out there that can successfully negotiate on your behalf.

In the past negotiating with builders wasn't easy so this may have been somewhat true, although I have always tried to negotiate with builders on behalf of my buyers.  In the 2008 Seattle real estate market, I think builders are expecting EVERYONE to negotiate!  Seriously, go in lower than ask and ask for A LOT of seller concessions! You are a golden buyer in a market where buyers have decreased and inventory sits a little longer.  This is your time!

Even in faster Seattle market times, negotiating should always be in your mind when it comes to getting a house at the best possible price.  Even when builders weren't budging on price much if at all, they were still running specials and throwing in builder perks.  I had one buyer that purchase don a builder special only to find that he liked the builder special they ran the next month better. What did we do? I called and asked for the new special and they gave us both specials.  Builders want to make you happy!

My Tips for putting in an offer on Seattle area new construction:

1. Go in low on price
2. Look at their preferred lender and see if your lender can beat that offer
3. Ask for closing costs
4. Ask for upgrades and add ons (fencing, better appliances, a nicer landscaping package, hardwoods throughout instead of carpet, etc.)
5. Put up as much earnest money as possible to be a stronger buyer
6. Have your preapproval in hand

Lastly, don't be afraid or ashamed to offer less even if the house is beautiful.  It is a lot easier to get a better deal on new construction than a resale in my opinion because the builders are just looking at it as a business transaction.  It really isn't personal and they want you to love your house!  They also want you to bring in more buyers by telling them how great the house is and what a great deal you got on it.

Courtney Cooper ....For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting - I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

 If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at Seattle Relocation services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!