Love in the time of a chaotic market.

​There was a time, not too long ago, when buying a home was like a romantic courtship. Buyers could enjoy falling in love, numerous candlelit dinner dates, and plenty of time to get to know one another before making a commitment. This current market has changed all that – with today’s buyers experiencing more of a speed dating type of romance. Whirlwind would be an understatement!  
 
In a normal real estate climate, homeowners would look at an average of ten houses before making a purchase – but what happens when the inventory is so low you have ten suitors bidding on ‘the one’. The key is to have all of your ducks in a row, so you can go in with the cleanest offer possible. Working with a mortgage broker is extremely beneficial. Many online ‘pre-approvals’ can be misleading, much like a dating site where everyone posts a Photoshopped picture of themselves from 20 years ago. The harsh reality can be alarming.    
 
And, everyone remembers ‘the one that got away’. That first heartbreak or break up can be devastating, but you (hopefully) learned from your mistake and moved on. If you allowed your heart to do the thinking instead of your head – the charm of the 1000 sq. ft. bungalow could have worn off when the twins and a dog came along. Your REALTOR is there to dust you off and offer advice akin to, ‘Stop wallowing and get back out there’. And, to remind you to focus on your original list of must-haves and deal breakers. Did you offer because the home was Mr. Right, or Mr. Right Now?
 
Your Realtor should also be like your best friend. I won’t be the Realtor who says, ‘They were never right for you’ AFTER the breakup. My job is to steer buyers in the right direction, right from the beginning – with a clear mind, and a strategy for finding the house of your dreams. Watching a buyer fall for the ‘hot’ downtown condo with the rooftop party room is never easy, when their original ‘must-haves’ were the best school district and a big backyard.
 
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is also blind as a bat sometimes. But where would we be without love? February may be the shortest month, but it’s also the perfect time to put yourself out there. You’ll be staying at home alone on a Friday night watching Netflix in your rental apartment – forever – if you don’t make an effort. And, whether you are looking to get in, or out of a relationship, choose a real estate advisor who will be there for you – every bumpy, rose petaled step of the way.  

Happy February!
​Meghan