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What Singles Look For in a Home

March 4, 2016 By

Single and ready to…own a home? Today, more and more people are looking to buy a home before they enter into relationships. In 2015, singles made up over 20% of the home buying market, and that number may grow this year. As a real estate agent, are you ready to cater to this growing demographic? Here are some things to remember that may help you navigate this type of home buyer.

Their Safety is Top Priority
While most people generally value their safety, singles may make it a higher priority since they will more likely be leaving and returning home on their own. When showing a home to potential home buyers, make sure to highlight aspects that may make them feel more secure. These can include structural features such as an attached garage and window locks, as well as neighborhood qualities like well-lit streets and bustling businesses nearby. Guide them towards properties in close-knit communities, since neighbors there may be more on the lookout for each other’s well-being.

They’re Not High Maintenance
With only one source of income, potential home buyers may not want to spend the money on home maintenance tasks. While this may differ from client to client, start with listings that won’t require too much upkeep. For example, show houses with no paint siding, which cuts down on the need for additional coats. Also consider simple landscaping, so a homeowner won’t have to do much more than mow the lawn and water a small garden occasionally. Something more intricate outside of the house may look nice, but can involve more gardening than one’s willing to commit to financially.

They Like to Have Fun
Unlike their coupled counterparts, single homeowners may not be ready to settle down and stay in at night. After all, with no tykes to tuck in early, they can stay out late. Show them properties in areas that have a nightlife or cultural scene, such as one with bars, restaurants, museums, or recreation centers. To narrow down on their interests, ask single clients about their hobbies and how they like to meet new people. Their answers may help you gauge which businesses they would like to have nearby.

An Agent Relationship is Key
Couples who buy a home together can turn to each other to bounce ideas and seek advice. However, a single home buyer who doesn’t have the same access to a sound second opinion must rely on you for advice. Most experienced single homeowners have stated that they left agents because they didn’t listen to what he or she was saying, ranging from home preferences to safety concerns. Combat this stereotype by hearing out your clients and restating their messages back to them so nothing gets lost. If you focus more on the nature of your relationship with a specific client, he or she may feel more comfortable when it comes time to make a decision.

These considerations should serve as a guide, but they are not all inclusive. All clients are different, so remember to talk to yours and listen to their needs in order to figure out what is best for them.

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What to Expect During the Closing Process

April 28, 2015 By

Congratulations, you’ve found a home that is ideal for you and your family. It has all your wants and needs, and it’s even in your price range. You’ve placed a bid and the buyer accepted it! You are finally getting ready to sign your name on the dotted line and buy your home.

You’re not quite done yet, there is another step that you have to go through — the closing process.

Here are some things you should know before going into your closing.

  1. Read everything: Ask your lender and attorney for the documents prior to the closing. It’s important to have the documents beforehand so you can make sure everything is correct. Not reading your documents before the closing can hurt you because there may be a typo or two, which can set back the entire process. Double and triple check everything. Review your loan and mortgage documents and get everything in order.
  1. Bring a check: Your documents will show how much you owe. Bring your checkbook. You should also bring a form of identification.
  1. Walk-through: The contract should allow you to walk through the property twenty-four hours before the closing. Bring your documents with you so you can reference them to make sure that the home is in the condition stipulated in the contract.
  1. Ownership: The whole point of closing is to transfer ownership from the buyer to the seller. Before closing, a title company will come in and make sure the deed, taxes, and other items that may affect the property are in good standing. Once that is squared away and the buyer and the lender approve of everything, you can both sign the closing documents, ultimately making you the owner of the home.

 
Closing can bring unexpected events, but if you are prepared and stay positive, things can run smoothly. This is an exciting time, so after everything is settled, take your new keys and enjoy your home!

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