Buyers Tips

What Zillow and Trulia Aren’t Telling You!

These two sites are enormously popular, but almost nobody knows that they don’t show all the homes on the market!  If every realtor in every city took the time to put their listed properties on these sites, then you could find any home by searching Zillow or Trulia, but that just does not happen.
How do you find all the homes for sale?  The most thorough database will always be your local real estate multiple listing service (MLS).  In the Portland, Oregon area, it is rmls.com.  Conveniently, most every local real estate company does have all the listings as well, be it ours 2Portlandhomes.com or Windermere or John L Scott because they are allowed to pull data directly from the MLS site.
We just wanted you to know that while Zillow and Trulia might be fun to use, they are not the best way to find every home for sale.  Happy hunting!  Oh, and by the way…  try our search page to find all the homes in the Portland area at www.2Portlandhomes.com.  It has helpful and convenient features not found on any other website in Portland.

Why is a Buyer’s Agent so Important?

A Buyer’s Agent represents YOU, not the Seller.  Here is what a buyers agent can do for you:

* They negotiate the best price possible since they aren’t working for the seller.
* Using the criteria you provide they search all possible listings and properties.
* With their experience they can point out the strengths and weaknesses of each property.
* Give you the truth about a properties value, not its perceived value in the eyes of the seller or listing agent.
* Help guide you for home inspections, sewer scopes and repair negotiations.
* Offer advice on how to make offers on properties.
* Submit offers promptly and professionally.
* Provide honest and complete financial information about neighborhood properties and how this can affect your future.
* Respond honestly and accurately to your questions.
* Negotiate solely on your behalf, not the sellers!
* Refer you to a lender to find the most favorable loan for your particular situation.
* Review HUD-1 settlement statement for accuracy.
* Most importantly they keep your personal information private from the seller and other agents, something listing agents are obligated NOT TO DO!

The Top 9 Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make (We all could be reminded)

1. Not educating yourself before making a major purchase.
Taking a home buying class is the best way to learn the steps to a successful purchase, knowing what to look for in a home & neighborhood and connecting with the best local professionals.

2. Looking at Homes You Can’t Afford.
You might find that when you do a reality check and start looking in your price range that the houses are rather disappointing. Get pre-qualified and then stick within your budget.

3. Buying in a Neighborhood You Know Nothing About.
Think about whether or not this neighborhood will make you as happy as the house does. Do your homework.

4. Operating on a First-House-is-Best Theory.
Season your eyes by inspecting different types of homes. This will help establish your objectivity after coming from a renting situation.

5. Buying a Property That’s Difficult to Resell.
Walk yourself through all the negatives to the property. Most first-time homebuyers sell within five to seven years. Think long and hard about how you would sell the home prior to buying.

6. Timing Problems.
Not planning the move to coincide with the end of their lease often creates a big dent in the budget. Check with your landlord about an early release clause from your lease if you are considering buying a home.

7. Being Indecisive.
Take all the time you need, but don’t be afraid to make a commitment when you’ve found your dream home. Everyone gets cold feet at some time during the process.

8. Choosing the Wrong Mortgage.
The thirty-year fixed rate is not the only, or necessarily the best, answer. Have your lender show you on paper how much each program will cost you and how they compare with each other. The best rate on the wrong mortgage can cost you thousands!

9. Not getting Preapproved.
In a competitive real estate market, you want to have a preapproval in hand before writing an offer to show that you are serious and qualified.