Gearing Up for the Summer Home Buying Season

Summer is the time when home buying becomes like a competitive sport. People like to use the school and work vacation time to get their families relocated and settled by the fall when the kids are back in school. Are you ready to jump houses? If so – time to get in shape and gear up for action.

More Inventory

Summertime is when the real estate market is flooded with listings. That means it will take more of your time to sift through what is available. Narrow your search early by discerning what you require in a new home and property. Know your priorities, such as a specific school district, needing a first-floor in-law suite, or whether you need a yard for kids or pets.

Get Your Finances in Order

Put the brakes on credit card spending and pay down your balances. Postpone any major purchases like cars, boats or other recreational vehicles. Check your account statuses with your bank and make sure everything is accurate. Check on your free credit reports for any errors that need to be fixed. Get pre-approved by a mortgage lender with a commitment letter so your home offers will be taken seriously.

Related Read: Why Get Pre-Approved For Your Mortgage?

Offers and Pricing

Creating a strong offer for a potential seller isn’t just limited to price – things like letting them select the closing date or avoiding unnecessary contingencies will make your offer more attractive to sellers. In the heat of the summer, prices tend to be firmer in the more competitive market, so don’t expect to do much negotiating over the price.

Out with the Old

Clean out your home, garage and attic so you have less to move. There’s no need to pay the moving company to move items you no longer need or use. Spend a couple weekends enhancing your home’s curb appeal to attract potential buyers. Do some research and hone in on the right real estate broker or agent who you know can move your property. If you expect to stay local, choose a real estate professional who can handle both transactions.

Related Read: How to Choose a Realtor