If you’re like me, you have probably been held captive in your home over the past three months by this little thing called a Pandemic.  You’ve been trying to work from home, you’ve watched all the binge-worthy shows, you’ve caught up on all of the movies you’ve wanted to see, you’ve baked all of the banana bread you could possibly eat (well there’s always chocolate chip cookies, and brownies, and pie…but I digress).  Now that you are contemplating going back out into the world, are you feeling ready? Have you learned anything with your time spent at home?  Are you still happy in your space?  Have you found yourself looking around your home planning renovations and new paint colors?   Is your perfect little apartment still the right fit?  Is your sprawling suburban home too big now that your grown kids are in their own homes?  If you decide you are ready to start house shopping, where do you even start?  Is it safe to go look at homes right now? 

The Richmond housing market is strong right now despite the Coronavirus Pandemic.  We are currently in what’s known as a seller’s market, which means that there are less homes on the market to choose from.  Homes are selling quickly, many times with multiple people making offers to purchase. Real estate agents are following safety recommendations and utilizing extra sanitation, masks, gloves, shoe covers, and sanitizing wipes for surfaces. There are also many options for virtual tours. So if you are considering beginning a home search, partnering with a real estate agent is the place to start.  You’re probably saying to yourself “but I can find a home on my own online.”  While it is super fun to look at homes online (I have always loved doing that too), some of the most popular apps might not have the most up-to-date accurate information. It’s heartbreaking to find the “perfect” house online, call the agent on the listing, only to learn that it went under contract three days ago.  With homes selling so quickly right now, working with a buyer’s agent (a real estate agent working with you to purchase a home) will allow you to see homes as soon as they hit the market and be in the best position to make an offer on the one you love. If you need more convincing that partnering with a buyer’s agent is the best choice when searching for a home, keep reading the following:

• First and foremost, your personal buyer’s agent will spend time with you completing an analysis of your wants and needs, your motivations for moving, and how you want to live in your home and community. They will help you put it all into words.  It’s your agent’s job to thoroughly understand what’s important to you in your next home and to help you narrow down your wishlist to a manageable list of essentials.  You won’t need to run all over town looking at every house on the market.  You will only need to look at those homes that meet your requirements.  

• If you haven’t already talked to a mortgage lender to determine your budget, guess what...your buyer’s agent can refer you to one. Think of your buyer’s agent as your personal advocate and coach...your connection!  Having a pre-approval in hand allows you to confidently look at homes knowing you’re armed and ready to make an offer.  Knowing your purchasing limit will also help you to narrow down your search to only those you can afford.   

• When you have found the home you can picture yourself growing into, it’s time to make an offer. Your buyer’s agent will research the current market conditions and compare the price of the home with other comparable homes in the same area. They will educate you regarding your options, walk you through the purchasing agreement (even the fine print), and help you present a strong offer you are comfortable with. Your buyer’s agent will present you with all counteroffers from the seller, and guide you through the negotiation process to conclusion. Hopefully that conclusion is an acceptance of your offer, but if this home wasn’t meant to be, your agent is still by your side supporting you in a continued search.

• Now that you have a home under contract, now what? There are actually SO many steps and deadlines between having your offer accepted and sitting at the closing table signing your mortgage documents. And guess who know what those steps are…your buyer’s agent does. From scheduling your home inspection to negotiating repair requests, your agent will guide you through the process, helping you meet all the deadlines, and partner with you to a successful outcome.

Now I bet you’re wondering if you can afford to hire a buyer’s agent to represent you. They do all of those things so it must cost a fortune! Here’s the best part…you don’t pay your buyer’s agent. Yes its true! The buyer’s agent is compensated through the listing contract of the seller. So the home SELLER compensates the buyer’s agent for bringing you to their house and finding them a buyer. So it’s a win-win for you to partner with a buyer’s agent. They will advocate for your best interest and get you into the home for your next stage of life.