Creekside View – January 19, 2025 –"Advice for Buyers"

My main role in our team over the years has been to represent sellers and frankly, I prefer that side of the business for a few reasons as it seems to be a more comfortable fit for me personally.

Sellers generally are intent on achieving a goal.? They are already focused on striving ahead with a transition even knowing it means leaving what they have.

That’s not to mean this is always a happy circumstance.?

In fact, it can be a very emotional time for those involved as the reason for moving on may have been forced on them by job loss or transfer, death of a loved one, breakdown in a relationship, or some other life event.

Buyers on the other hand, may be seeking new accommodation but often need encouragement to concentrate on what it is they really need.

As opposed to want.

Buyers can also be so selective that nothing that exists in the community comes close to meeting their standards or self-perceived social standing.?

They will insist on going through every house on the market even if it obviously doesn’t meet their stated specifications.

These folk I refer to new home builders for a reality check.?

The best buyers are usually those who have owned one or more houses before so have learned a few things about the ins and outs of real estate plus the responsibility that comes with managing a property.

They prepare systematically and are not afraid to use professionals whether it be at the bank, brokerage, or inspection stages.

It’s fun to engage with people who know what will meet their needs, have the resources to make it happen, and are open-minded enough to listen to suggestions on options.

We all know there is often more than one way to achieve a goal.

One couple I worked with wanted a bungalow with a “mortgage helper” suite in the basement.?

When we had exhausted what was available in the market at that time, I asked if they would like to look at a duplex instead??

They still live on one side and rent the other.? Both units are close to being mortgage free.

Retirement is around the corner, and they are thinking that having a cabin at the lake designated as their primary residence.? Renting out both sides of the duplex just might make that possible.

There appears to be fewer couples these days that are willing to sacrifice a bit now to gain a lot later.?

Used to be that the first home was a “fixer upper”, followed by a bigger project that could be tackled with the skills learned on the first one, then maybe a new house that needed landscaping, deck, garage, and basement development.

A more likely pathway today is a new condo, followed by a late model house, then a bigger house that must also have room on the lot for the pontoon boat, two quads, and fifth wheel travel trailer.

When there is an economic hiccup that lower cost residence with the opportunity for gaining equity through one’s sweat suddenly looks quite appealing again.?

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster, founder of ProgressiveTender.com, and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation.? Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing [email protected]? or calling (306) 821-0611.

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