Castle Shopping!
This could be the fun part . . . or it could be maddening.
Here's a list to try and keep looking at properties a sane experience:
1) Remember that answer you gave me when I asked you "What is your goal?" If that keeps changing with each place we look at, we're in for a long, stressful voyage.
2) Since most of my Buyer clients are moving here from another town, if at all possible, make this a separate trip from your summer vacation or family reunion. There are just too many things you'll want to be doing and the distractions will make it hard to make a good decision. This also means, if you can, refrain from bringing your pets with you or if you do, ask me about doggy day care options. Your dog is 'pawsome', I'm sure! I just don't want to walk through areas with construction materials and your dog gets hurt!
3) There are three things we'll need to do before we look at any properties. These are done to insure you are in the best possible position to move forward if you find "thee" place and that I am in the best position to advise you as your agent of record. The state of South Carolina has a consumer protection document (as most states do) explaining the different roles/relationships of a real estate firm. We review that so you know the differences. We also review the Buyer Agency Agreement which connects us in this transaction and explains each parties responsibilities. It IS an Agreement, so it is important to review and ask questions! Finally, and most importantly - if you are planning to get a mortgage to finance any portion of the property, we need to get you pre-approved BEFORE you look at any properties. That may be different than what you did in the past, but we do that for a multitude of reasons now. Two of the most important are: ♦ The market moves at a very fast pace right now - if you find something you like, it is now common practice to include the lender's pre-approval letter along with your offer. If it is not included but it is with someone else's offer, your offer could be considered at a disadvantage; ♦ More often, Sellers are asking for a pre-approval just to SHOW the home to potential Buyers. In other words, they are trying to limit the number of people walking through their home, opening up closets and cabinets, especially if the visitor couldn't afford it in the first place.
4) Bring your checkbook. While many options for new construction will have means to accept a credit/debit card or may wait until you get home to send that initial deposit, it is important to have a means by which you can access your account to leave your earnest money deposit. This is a key part of any offer/contract! I know you may not be thinking you're going to buy something, but this is that one thing you should definitely pack "just in case."
5) I'll provide you with a packet offering information on each listing along with address (you'll follow me in your own vehicle). I try not to show you more than 4-5 properties a day. After that, your brain turns to mush and you won't remember them. I will also try my best to ask you 2 things you liked and 2 things "not so much" about what you just saw, and encourage you to take notes and if it's a fave, take photos or video. At the end of each day, I do my best to get you to rule out at least two of the properties. This is where, if needed, you may get some "tough love" from me! I will ask you about those goals, if the home you're considering is a good fit, or if there's one still on your list that's a wild outlier! I promise, I am listening very carefully in all our conversations and in doing so, have hopefully planned showings leading you to a very confident and joyful decision!
6) Depending upon how much time you've scheduled for your visit, we don't do new showings for more than 2 days. If there's a 3rd day, it's for returning to our "finalists" to make the big decision. All during this time, as questions arise about properties you like, I am on the hunt for you getting those answers!!
7) Have I helped people buy properties who can't travel to the area? Absolutely! I go to the property you are interested in, record a VERY thorough video of the exterior, interior and surrounding area and place it on my YouTube channel. Then, I send only you a private link to view the video as I have included commentary about what I am seeing and answering specific questions you may have asked me to check out for you.