As Good As SOLD

Multiple offers – friend or foe?

It depends on what hat you’re wearing. Last time we looked at what’s involved from a Seller’s point of view; now let’s explore it from the other and perhaps more contentious perspective, that of the Buyer.

As a Buyer in today’s active and inventory-starved market, it’s entirely possible you will find your offer is one of several, even if yours was written first. Keep in mind the Realtor working in the Seller’s interest is duty bound to alert any and all prospective Buyers that an offer is forthcoming. It’s part of the Listing Realtor’s obligation to his or her principal.

So what can a Buyer do to help improve his/her chances? Consider making your first offer your best one, holding little or nothing in reserve. It should carry your best price as you likely won’t get another chance to improve it. Remember, other offerers will know they are competing as well. And make your offer as clean as possible. The fewer the terms and conditions you include, the more attractive it will be to the Seller.

Continue Reading Add comment April 13th, 2007

Your Next Home and How to Find It.

I had been anticipating her call for some days now. After several lengthy discussions with her and her family I had sensed they were close to making a decision, and so it was no surprise to hear her voice on the phone.

The strain evident in her tone was unexpected, however.

“Well, we’re ready,” she sighed. “We’ve thought it through and have finally decided. We’re moving. So tell me, what can we expect now that we’re faced with both buying and selling? It’s been some years now and we are more than a bit…well, bothered.”

Moving is never an easy task no matter how favourable the circumstances, but it wasn’t difficult to sense that her concern went beyond a financial one, or even the daunting prospect of uprooting after a good many years.

As her Realtor, I was glad to have some reassuring answers.

Continue Reading Add comment April 13th, 2007