What you need most from me is someone who will listen to your needs, keep within your budget and help you to make a sound investment on a home that you can grow in and absolutely love for years to come.
What I need most from you is for you to listen to your needs, for you to keep within your budget and for you to help yourself to make a sound investment on a home that you can grow in and absolutely love for years to come.
You said you needed:
- Nice affordable home, priced closer to the middle of your price range so that you aren't house poor - check!
- Home in one of your desired neighborhoods - check!
- Located in an award winning school district - check!
- 4 bedrooms, one with a room downstairs for mother-in-law with bad knees - check!
- Large backyard for kids to play in - check
So why are you now looking in an area for a bigger house that you think will impress friends more, has all upstairs bedrooms, with a small backyard that abuts an alley, in an area in which expensive private schooling is mandatory for a decent education?
Not only will you be trying to keep up with the Jones's with every purchase of a newer car, bigger flat screen, exotic trips and anniversary gifts, but your mom will stop visiting as much because she will not have any comfortable place to sleep - there goes your built-in babysitter. In addition to your higher mortgage, you will have to spend a pretty penny on getting a quality education for the kids as well.
I have seen a change in course from buyers of all ages the more they are "advised" from coworkers, family and friends about their home purchase.
I'm not your parent or boss, I'm your REALTOR. It is not up to me to lecture you on the stress of an extremely high mortgage and what it does to families, but up to me to caution you about it when it doesn't have to happen. You have many great options that will make you happy, if not happier. There's nothing better than having very happy clients that thank you for giving them just enough independence to draw their own conclusions and make sound decisions, while at the same time being close enough for soft guidance and mild but firm intervention when you see them headed down dead-end roads called Jones St. or Emotion Ave.
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Prudential 24 Hour Real Estate Direct: (310) 508-4354 ~ Alternative (562) 726-ANDI ~ Fax (562) 861-0285 Email: andi@andigrant.com DRE # 01728424
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Good points! No one listens to me!! I'm dealing with a buyer now that has nothing substantially saved up (it will be eaten in the down payment and closing costs), only a year on his job, and he wants to go to the top of the food chain already. Were are the humble buyers?
It can be quite frustrating at times for agents working with buyers especially because it obviously isn't about the higher commission check. If so, we'd let them walk off the cliff right after we're paid. But for those of us who care, it can be quite difficult. :)
Good luck on your current buyer!
Andi - please allow me to add to your "only you" list. Only you can control your spending while we are looking for your house. DO NOT make any major purchases between the time you get loan approval and the time escrow closes. Ever had a buyer meet you for a showing in a brand new car?
Oh my Cynthia! No, but during one of my earlier transactions I did have some buyers show me during home inspection where they were going to place their new Viking Appliances and big screen TV that they had just charged. Hence my Buyer Protocol and Guidelines that I review with my buyers during our first meeting. I'm taking no chances! :)