It’s really common for buyers to be unsure about when it’s right to connect with an agent. Early on in the process you’re just exploring. It’s totally fair for you to guide yourself at this stage. It’s also really valuable to get some advice about how to use this time productively so you’re ready when you feel your time is right.
If you’re feeling apprehensive about connecting with an agent I’ve written a detailed article on different ways to start getting serious about your real estate search. Eventually you’ll need to build a relationship with an agent, but there are ways you can ease into that.
Click here to read more about “How to Start a Real Estate Search”
Your perspective will be quite different if you’re a first-time buyer versus a buyer who has a home to sell. The latter definitely requires a planning meeting early on. You not only want a reasonable idea of the value of your current home, but you want to understand your options about strategizing when to buy or sell first. You can also use the time after your planning meeting to chip away at recommended tasks to get your home ready to go on the market.
First-time buyers can also benefit from a planning meeting early on. You can start to learn about market trends, Seller’s expectations and the offer process. I find the most beneficial talking point is total cost of ownership. The objective of this conversation is to outline the real cost of home ownership over the first few years. Sometimes it’s a lot higher than expected and it’s a lot easier to plan and find success if we address this early.
My philosophy in all areas of my business is to support and educate. It takes time for any consumer to get a feel for the market and how they want to engage with it. My objective is to use your time exploring the market to build your knowledge base. We’re working together to build you into an informed consumer who is making really confident decisions.
This time of education is a process of elimination. You’re cutting out geographic areas, home types, or floor plans and narrowing your focus. Your new focus will have you feeling confident about the right housing match for you and how to act on it.
Click here to open the article: “Buying is a Process of Elimination”
Matt’s Experience with Buyers
I have experience with a very diverse mix of housing types dating back to February of 2010. My clients are often pretty surprised about my depth of knowledge across the whole spectrum. I read a lot of strata documents. I attend as many home inspections as I can – representing either the Buyer or the Seller.
I can break down expected repair and renovation costs, construction methods, evolving building codes, life expectancy for all building components, common flaws in all eras of construction going back to the 1890’s (seriously, that house was on 11th St in New West). Pre-sales, young homes, condos or townhouses, detached houses from all eras, and especially, the quirky (but loveable) heritage homes of New West.
I will help you understand the Strata Property Act, why it might matter to you, what makes a good or dysfunctional strata corporation, why Depreciation Reports exist and how they are implemented in practice.
The point is, I’ve seen a lot. I rattled off all that terminology to let you know there is a lot going on and I’m proud to be able to simplify it. I’ve learned how to share my knowledge in an easy to digest manner and make that information incredibly valuable to you.
I’ve also seen a variety of market-types. You will find us talking about different strategies as the market shifts. There is never one set plan or playbook that needs to be followed. Different product types follow different trends. We need to be thoughtful and adaptive. I promise that I will inform you in a way that your decision-making will be built on the same knowledge that I gain from the market daily.
Send me a note if you would like to work with me. I’ll probably ask for a planning meeting, because for all the information I have, I want to learn which information is relevant to your process and your objectives.
I truly hope that I can bring a ton of value and enjoyment to your real estate purchase.
Sincerely,
– Matt
Get in Touch with Matt