The truisms of making an offer

What is the best way to put together an offer to purchase a home you ask? Here are some suggestions and "truisms" to help you along - 

Truisms:

• Homes will always sell at market value. Market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay.
• Market value is not a fixed, rigid price, but instead is a range of value. This is because no two buyers are alike. 
• Property is a commodity, unlike a car that loses it's value over time. Property values fluctuate with the market.
  
• You, the buyer, are the market.

Helpful do's and don't's

• Don't offend. Unless you are offering on a property which has been held purely for investment, the seller is emotionally invested in his property.
• Do get personal.Write a cover letter summarizing why you believe this is the right home for you. On many occasions, I have seen sellers accept a lower offer because they felt a connection with the buyer.
• Don't defend your offer the wrong way. As in, by saying it is all you can afford or that you are basing it on what you believe values will be during the next lunar cycle. This approach will likely leave the seller with the notion that there is a buyer out there, one who isn't you, who can afford his home and at the price it is worth now.

Work on Referral Business this month. If you have family or friends who are thinking of moving or buying a second home anywhere in the country, let me know. I'd be happy to consult with them to help them find information and market data in that area.

Here, there and everywhere!

I'm working on Referral Business this month. If you have family or friends who are thinking of moving or buying a second home anywhere in the country, let me know. I'd be happy to consult with them to help them find information and market data in that area.

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2010!

New Years Aspirations!

I've decided to rename resolutions to aspirations. This year it's all about balance for me.

• Balance of home life and career.
• Balance of hobbies and to do's.
• Balance of family and personal.
• Balance of exercise and relaxing.
• Balancing good food and healthy food (can they be the same?)

Have you thought about your aspirations? What would you like to see come to fruition in 2010?