1. Criteria. Be specific on what you’re looking for to hone the search. This is a great time to get exactly what you want and at the right price. Get your loan approvals in place.
2. Research. View properties in person, not just online. Compare and analyze. Take photos of details you wish to remember and make notes.
3. Partner. Work with a full-time, experienced Realtor who invests time in doing your leg work and provides invaluable advice. Set up an exclusive buyer agency contract —this is to your advantage as the broker then knows your intentions to work with him/her and will work harder to serve your interests.
4. Monitor. Get your Realtor to set up automatic email notifications on your specific criteria for sales, new listings and price changes to gain a firm understanding of the value and benefits for each opportunity. Over time, you will gain traction for what stands out from the pack.
5. Offer. If steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 are complete, then you will know when the right property comes along and be committed and confident in your approach. Make an offer that is consistent with your purpose and budget.
6. Negotiate. Be genuine and informed in your approach. If a seller is happy with the proposal, he/she will sign it. If not, he/she will counter-offer and you will continue the negotiation process.

As Warren Buffet said so accurately: “The best way to make money is to buy when everyone is selling and to sell when everyone is buying.” That statement holds true in this market. Now is the time to buy in Steamboat. If you have a mid- to long-term approach, leverage the record low interest rates and take action today.

Tags: buying real estate, real estate tips