Tag Archives: Cumming

Buyers: Navigate a Multiple Offer Situation

Monday, 07 July 2014 21:39
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Desperate couple doing their accountsThere’s nothing like the feeling you get when, after touring what seems like—or might actually be—dozens of houses, you finally find the one.  The minute you enter, you can see your life playing out within its walls and try as you might, you cannot squelch the array of possible paint colors floating through your head.  It has to be yours.  You’re certain it will be…

…until you discover that nine other bidders are waiting in line.

How did that happen?  You’re angry and anxious, especially since you know that you’re attempting to buy in a seller’s market.  After the housing collapse of several years ago, it might seem strange to see buyers without the upper hand, but with less inventory currently on the market, it’s not unusual for sellers to receive upwards of 15-20 offers on a home.

Therefore, if you find yourself in this type of situation, whether you think you stand a chance or not, it’s always a good idea to write an offer anyway.  To help you along, here are a few tips to put you in the best possible position:

1.) DON’T UNDERESTIMATE EXPERIENCE—You wouldn’t go to court with an inexperienced, novice attorney, so why would you bet your financial livelihood on an inexperienced real estate agent?  When it comes to navigating a multiple offer situation, hiring the services of a seasoned Realtor—who is not only familiar with the process, but has a track record of successful closings—is one of the most important steps you can take.

2.) GET PREAPPROVAL—Generally speaking, each offer will undoubtedly be accompanied by a prequalification letter from a lender; however, you can appear to be the strongest buyer by entering negotiations with a loan preapproval letter.

3.) PUT YOUR BEST OFFER FORWARD—Instead of expecting negotiation, write your best offer and make it attractive.  In an effort to determine pricing, a solid Realtor will be able to give you a comparative market analysis, which is important since many sellers intentionally set low prices in an effort to generate multiple offers.  Just because you’re paying above their asking price, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re paying more than the market value.

4.) UNCOVER WHAT’S IMPORTANT—All sellers have certain wants that will help land you in their good graces.  Whether it’s a fast closing or a longer than normal escrow period, ask your Realtor to find out what those hot buttons are and work hard to make them a reality.

5.) DON’T GET HUNG UP ON CONTINGENCIES—While it’s essential to get a home inspection before you close on a property, there’s nothing wrong with tightening the time period a bit.  When it comes to contingencies, you have the power to speed things along, so if your loan is solid, don’t be afraid to waive the loan approval contingency.

In the end, multiple offer situations can be challenging, especially if you’ve found yourself on the losing end of a similar circumstance in the past.  To make yourself the best possible candidate, straighten your affairs and hire a practiced Realtor who can walk you through the steps.

To learn more or to see how I can help you, please feel free to contact me.  I’d love to hear from you.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com | 770-712-7789

Fall Fixes NOT to Nix – Part 4

Tuesday, 29 October 2013 18:13
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Pest Control: Defense or Offense?

mouse

During cooler months, it is common for wildlife to want to move in to a home for warmth and shelter. Teams of mice and rats, squirrels and other animals can do damage to insulation and wiring, create unclean living situations, contaminate food, and keep people up at night with scratching and scampering. Carefully inspect possible sources of entry in the fall months and seal up any places where pests might gain access to the home.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has vast information about preventing and resolving rodent infestations. They recommend looking for any evidence of uninvited guests and possible access from inside the home in the following locations:

  • Inside, under, and behind kitchen cabinets, refrigerators and stoves
  • Inside closets near the floor corners
  • Around the fireplace
  • Around doors
  • Around the pipes under sinks and washing machines
  • Around the pipes going to hot water heaters and furnaces
  • Around floor vents and dryer vents
  • Inside the attic
  • In the basement or crawl space
  • In the basement and laundry room floor drains
  • Between the floor and wall juncture

The CDC also recommends checking the following areas outside the home:

  • In the roof among the rafters, gables, and eaves
  • Around windows
  • Around doors
  • Around the foundation
  • Attic vents and crawl space vents
  • Under doors
  • Around holes for electrical, plumbing, cable, and gas lines

Defend the home by filling holes with steel wool, held in place with caulk. Squirrels and raccoons require larger holes and do even more damage, so cover larger holes with lath screen, metal, cement or hardware cloth to stop entry into the building.

Assess the perimeters of buildings, inside and out, sweeping and raking debris away from walls. Remove woodpiles and leaves from around buildings. These areas are prime habitat for rodents and other pests, including termites and carpenter ants. In areas where problems persist, take the offense. Trapping or baiting with poison may be advised. Larger infestations may require the attention of trained professionals for control and cleanup.

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team  |  www.dinsmoreteam.com

Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789