Buying Myths Debunked

Marci Press & Pros sets the record straight on purchasing a home in today’s market

The residential real estate experts with Marci Press & Pros of Home Central Realty have been helping home buyers secure the dream of buying a home for the last 20 years. They know how to navigate difficult market conditions and help their clients beat out stiff competition to score their next home. We recently sat down with the Marci Press & Pros team to debunk some common myths buyers should consider in this fierce seller’s market. 

Myth 1: I don’t need a buyer’s agent; I can simply call the listing agent on a property I’m interested in.

REALTOR AGNES GUZIK: This is not a good idea if you want a Realtor who is fully committed to your best interests during one of the biggest transactions of your life. If you contact the listing agent, they must serve as a dual agent, working for both you and the seller. They must stay neutral to both the buying and selling parties, to be fair to everyone. It’s much more advantageous to the buyer to start the homebuying process with a Realtor they trust will advocate for them. The best part is that the buyer doesn’t pay–the seller does–so there is no reason to not hire your own Realtor! 

Myth 2: I don’t need a pre-approval letter before finding a house. 

REALTOR BRITTANY MCQUAY: The reality is that, in this market, you must be prepared to make an offer the moment you find the right home. Sadly, too many times buyers miss out on their perfect home while they are waiting on a pre-approval letter. The best thing you can do as a buyer in this market is to get your pre-approval in order and then begin searching for your dream home!  

Myth 3: The market will be less competitive in a year. I’ll wait to buy until then. 

REALTOR MARCI PRESS: Everything I’ve heard, read, and listened to indicates that we are in for more of the same, next year and likely beyond. Although we have many more buyers than we do homes, I would HIGHLY encourage you to buy now, rather than wait for the market to change. Interest rates are at historic lows and we have no idea where they will be next year or thereafter. Marci Press & Pros are highly experienced professionals who are able to assist you in navigating this challenging, but far from impossible market.  

Myth 4: Buyers need a minimum of 20% to put down on a home purchase.

REALTOR ALEX PRESS: In the past, most homebuyers were required to put down at least 20 percent of their home purchase price to qualify for financing. For many buyers, that is no longer the case. Most mortgage lenders have various financing programs, which allow buyers to sometimes put down as little as 3 percent. The truth is, in this highly competitive market, we have found that sometimes it is more helpful for buyers to use some of their savings in other ways to make their offers more competitive and attractive to sellers. Our team is experienced in helping our buyers put together the strongest offer possible, while, most importantly, ensuring that our client is comfortable with the deal.

Myth 5: I need to wait until my lease is up to start looking for a home. 

REALTOR MAGGIE MESCHER: It’s important to get started right away! Although everyone’s situation is unique, we want to be sure to provide a buffer for you, just in case we don’t get the first home that you put an offer on. Having said that, I would recommend getting started no later than 60 days before your lease is up. One of the wonderful benefits to obtaining a mortgage is that you have a minimum of 30 days before your first payment is due, which provides you with some breathing room if you find a home before your lease is up. I also recommend checking if your landlord allows month-to-month lease options if we don’t find your perfect home before your lease expires. This market is competitive, so make sure you have the right agent working for you!

To learn more, visit mpress.homecentralrealty.com