Well, in a few weeks I will be traveling to Savannah, GA. Anybody live in that area? I am going to meet with wedding vendors to finalize wedding details, but while I am there I will be devoting a day to house looking. (not house hunting yet~ just looking right now.)Is it bad that I am way more excited to be house looking than wedding planning?
I contacted a realtor who has agreed to show me properties. Now, I want to do this whole house business right. And by right I mean~ not get taken advantage of, not be misled.
I have a short list of houses I want to look at, but have not talked to the realtor otherwise. We have both been very casual at this point.
Now I know the realtor will work for me up to a point, but really will be working for himself. After all, his comission is based on the dollar amount I end up spending.
So when he asks me what my price range is, I'm not sure what to say. Do I give him a range lower than my absolute limit?
I am afraid if I tell him my real limit he will:
1. only show me houses at the top of the limit or above that limit.
2. Later not work hard to negotiate the price down for me knowing that I could afford more than I am verbally saying I want to spend on the house.
I also ask if anyone is from the area because I being out of state, would appreciate 'local' perspectives of the market. Looking at the national market hardly helps when you are pinpointing one city.
I think the market is declining now, but still has room to go down more. I'm just wondering if it's in a downward spiral, leveling out, or just now starting to go down. Many houses I looked at online months ago are still listed, but only 1 has decreased it's price, and was then purchased immediately.
Right now I am taking time to learn about the market, and see in person how much house I can get for my money as another step in the education process. I hate to waste this realtor's time when I wont be making a purchase this weekend, but think I do plan to purchase within 6 months.
So advice on what to tell/not to tell my realtor is appreciated, and advice on the Savannah, GA market is also appreciated.
Opps! Forgot about chronicling yesterdays spending:
$6 for Baseball boy's lunch~ not bad!
Taking the first step towards the rest of my life
June 21st, 2008 at 09:34 pm
June 21st, 2008 at 09:44 pm 1214084640
Also remember that when you are in negotiation, only you have an interest in not overpaying. It used to be that when the bank held your loan, they would share in that same interest. Now? That 6% and those fees are mostly coming from you - the buyer. Try to find a real estate lawyer or somebody who can give you true fiduciary advice.
June 21st, 2008 at 09:57 pm 1214085461
June 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm 1214085737
Too bad you don't live near me, my husband is the best builder in Georgia!!
June 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm 1214085984