Buyers: Be Prepared to Strike


Here’s why all homebuyers in today’s market need to be prepared.
There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers.

If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

Although lending rules have eased up over the past three years, lenders still have the recent recession on their minds. Your mortgage loan officer may ask you for more documents and information.

Keep good records of your checking, savings, and investment accounts. If you have any unusually large transaction, whether it is a sale or purchase, be prepared to explain it. An unusually large transaction is normally classified as a transaction that is bigger than one of your regular paychecks.


For example, if your normal paycheck is $2,078 every two weeks and you suddenly have a deposit of $4,800 from the sale of a motorcycle, then you need to be prepared to show documentation for the sale. If you have changed jobs, you may have to give details of the benefits package or potential commission to explain why the new job was a better option for you.



Sellers are in the driver’s seat for negotiations.


Once you are pre-approved for a mortgage and your real estate agent firmly understands your needs, be ready to make an offer on a home. We are currently in the midst of a seller’s market. This means that the number of people attempting to buy a home far outnumbers the available homes for sale. This puts the seller in the driver’s seat of the negotiations.


If your agent calls and states that they have something for you, don’t make an appointment for four days later. Adjust your schedule and look at the home as soon as you can. The quicker you see the home and find out what the seller is looking for in the way of a contract, the quicker you can act.  


If you are considering purchasing a home, take advantage of a buyer specialist. Our team is waiting to assist you with your home purchase goals. Email info@joydaniels.com or call (717) 695-3177 if you have any questions at all. We look forward to hearing from you soon.