We’re headed into the first weekend of the New Year. Who’s ready to find a new home? Listings are starting to tick back up on MLS after the holidays, and there are plenty of active buyers seriously looking in our market. If you want to buy ahead of true spring competition, take these steps NOW to be able to put forward your strongest offer.
Get Pre-Approved: Contrary to what many people think, getting pre-approved is a quick and simple process. Like same day simple, in most cases! What’s important prior to making an offer is that you talk with a lender to determine a buying budget that makes financial sense for you. Once you set that budget, you’ll have an estimated idea of expenses to expect and you’ll receive a pre-approval letter. This letter is a must in our market for an offer to be considered. Not sure where to start? We can provide you with a list of lenders we know and trust.
Have Earnest Money Available: Earnest money will be part of an accepted offer. When we write a contract, it will include a line for your earnest money deposit. The price of the home and the demand will be factors how much this should be. In most cases, you will be writing a check for approximately 1% of the home’s price. A copy of the written check needs to be submitted with the offer (so if you are an online person, find that checkbook!). If your offer is accepted, the check will then be held by the title company until closing.
Be Non-Contingent: In this market, few sellers are willing to accept a contingent offer. So, if you need funds from a home sale to buy your next home, our first step should be getting your current home sold. We have the resources to get your property market-ready and sold fast. And in some cases, sellers may be willing to consider an offer if your home is under contract.
BUYING A HOME: LET US HELP
Of course there are more steps related to financing and buying a home, but these are the first steps you need to take to make a serious offer. You can rely on our experience and vast network across Kansas City to help you every step of the way. Reach out to one of us or call 913.402.2599 to be matched with an agent in your target market to get things started right away. We can’t wait to work with you!
HOME! The start of a new year is always exciting for us as we think about those of you we will get to help along the way. Maybe 2018 will be the year of your first home purchase, or a move to be closer to family and friends, or maybe an exciting job change will move you across the city. Whatever the case, we can’t wait to work with you!
We’re already taking listing appointments for spring. You read that right! The demand for inventory across the Kansas City market provides a great opportunity for people thinking about moving. Many of our clients have experienced the benefit of a sellers’ market throughout 2017 where homes are selling quickly and at good prices. And, quite of few of these sellers received multiple offers and/or sold over list price! With similar market conditions expected in 2018, we’re already taking calls and making appointments with clients who want to get a jump on the spring market.
Join us in welcoming Whitney Meiners to our team! Whitney brings a strong sense of community pride to Bradshaw Group, as well as a natural ability to put clients first. A long-time Kansas City resident, Whitney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. and her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction at University of Missouri, Kansas City. Whitney went on to complete her Juris Doctor degree at Washburn University in Topeka. Her prior work experience ranges from legal case work and mediation to development for area non-profits.
How about a little HOT news on this HOT summer day?!? We are thrilled to announce Bradshaw Group was just named one of America’s most productive sales teams as part of the