One thing I like to do when working with real estate buyers in MN is to receive feedback. Not just on myself and personal service, but the home buying process and the market conditions as perceived by my clients.
Here’s a few comments on the 2009 Twin Cities Housing Market by a First Time Home Buyer client of mine, Kris F. from Golden Valley:
‘When I decided it was time for me to buy my first home, I wanted as much information as possible about the process and what to expect. A coworker told me about a home buying seminar where you could get the most up to date information. I went to the seminar and ended up getting a mortgage officer and realtor out of the deal!
Within a week or so I was preapproved for a home loan and had a realtor helping me look for what would best suit me. I got as much or as little hand holding as I wanted. As long as I did what was asked of me and asked as many questions as I could, I felt fine and the process was quite painless.
I was a little dizzy at first, with how fast that first week went. I was also nervous about poking around other peoples homes, not to mention that I really had no idea what to look for or what was important to me. I decided to check out a few open houses before I started the official search and after poking around, I was slightly more able to define what I wanted, making me more comfortable with the process.
Despite my newfound ideas of what I thought I wanted, Steve still had to guide me a lot. Luckily, I had hired a person to point out the good and bad for me, which helped me to slow down and really process what things meant for me and my lifestyle. Trust me: this is where you want to listen to the professional.
It turns out that I liked the very first property I saw with Steve (go figure). I confessed about 10 houses in that I liked the first place and wanted to buy it, but he was not going to let me off the hook that easy. We saw it again, along with a number of other places, and then I was definitely sure. We sat down and made an offer, a process I care not to remember and couldn’t if I tried (somewhat long and confusing). If it weren’t for my interpreter/realtor I would still be trying to figure out the jargon.
I am now happily moved into my new home, and consider myself a very lucky homeowner. I have heard the horror stories and was ecstatic not to be a victim. I hope your process goes as smoothly as possible, and good luck!’
I enjoy reading your blog Steve. It is encouraging to see how many first time home buyers you are helping here in our minnesota real estate market. Keep up the great work!