What's it like to Buy Right Now?

I'm glad you asked, I'd love to tell you.

Back about 5-6 months ago the market had reached a place where it was nearly impossible to get an offer accepted unless you went 10-15% above asking, waived all contingencies, put down non-refundable earnest money and likely had cash or financing that was good as cash. It sucked. It eventually felt literally impossible for many clients. And for those who had a home to sell in order to use their equity, it basically was impossible.

Fast forward to today: 4 out of the 5 homes I have in escrow at the moment are contingent on selling their current home. We have been able to negotiate a price at or below asking, we have negotiated for repairs or credits during the home inspection contingency, which now feels like a luxury.

Higher interest rates haven't been all bad, we finally feel a little more balanced even though it's still a sellers market and homes are generally selling within 14 days as long as they're priced well compared to their competition.

What's extra important right now? Having an Agent who has been through other market conditions or is a student of the changing times (not throwing shade to new Agents - I was once in your shoes!).

What I'm finding though, is that Agents who got into this career in the last 3 years really don't know how to negotiate, what they can ask for, and how far they can push negotiations because all they've mostly known is contracts full of waived clauses. Or not knowing how to prepare Sellers for what's to expect out of pricing, days on market, accepting a contingent offer, showing traffic & inspection negotiations.

I am here to be a resource and whether you're curious what it really looks like to buy, sell or buy & sell right now, I'm happy to talk it out with you, because knowledge is power and I love to help people make solid decisions.

Cheers to the last week in July, friends! 

- Paige