2. To every thing, the songwriter says, there is a
season. (Turn, turn, turn.) This Spring, the real
estate market in many places seems to be
thawing out of an extended winter straight into
a hot market of buyer activity. The upshot for
sellers is great: shorter times on the market,
more certain sales and higher sale prices.
3. 1. Offer more than asking (if the market data
justifies it. It’s entirely possible that you’re shaking
your fist right now,
yelling something like:
“You said these were ‘secret’
strategies!” Allow me to explain:
offering more money *seems*
like a super obvious way to beat
out other offers, but you would
be amazed at how many bargain-
seeking, recession-trained and novice buyers simply
don’t do it. Many think they’re scoring a deal by
making low offers, even in the face of competition.
4. 2. Max out and show off your close-ability. Yes:
sellers care about getting top dollar for their
homes, so offer price is the primary factor that
makes or breaks your offer. However, sellers and
their Realtors are uber-aware of the flip side of
Essential Truth #1: a great deal that doesn’t close is
no deal at all. They are also on high alert from the
last few years of high contract cancellation rates, so
sellers and listing Realtors will give top priority to
offers that have both (a) strong prices and (b) a
strong likelihood of closing.
5. 3. Work with a well-respected Realtor and
mortgage pro. If you’re house hunting in a
desirable neighborhood,
it can be advantageous
to work with a Realtor
who other Realtors
know and love - or at least
one they have heard of and
respect.
6. 4. Express your love for the home. I’ve written
a lot about what I call the Seller Love Letter, a
tool homeowners can use to ‘infect’ interested
buyers with their own affection for the property.
But here’s a tip from the last peak of the market:
buyers can write love letters, too!
7. Buyers: what are other ways to beat out other
competing buyer offers?
8. Randy Bett
Investment Realtor/Author/Investor
Real Estate Professionals Inc.
Better Group Real Estate
202-5403 Crowchild Trail NW
Calgary, AB T3B 4Z1
Phone:403-774-7464 Ext:1
Fax:403-208-0082
Toll Free fax:888-711-6801
