Have you ever seen an eye-catching advertisement in the local newspaper picturing an
attractive dress or suit which interested you? Imagine your surprise and frustration as
you respond to the ad and find only that one item in stock, in only one size? The store
offers no wide selection of styles and no color choices. In fact, the price seems high for
the advertised item, yet there is no other merchandise against which to compare the price.
You leave the store in confusion.
A ridiculous story? Of course. When buying merchandise, you will probably go first to a
store that offers a wide range of clothing in many sizes, styles and at various price
levels. A helpful attendant will ask about your interests in clothing, then show you the
way to the right department. After comparing styles, quality and prices, you make your
purchase.
When you buy a home, you could really face the first situation. Each time you respond to
a "by owner" advertisement, you are making a trip to a store with only one piece
of inventory. You face a "take it or leave it" situation. The owner has only one
home to sell, making price comparisons difficult. You must visit several "by
owners" just to get a feel for price, quality, etc. You are literally "on your
own", and each owner is biased toward the one home being offered for sale.
Look at home buying as a process, not a single act. It requires knowledge of your buying
power and your ability to secure mortgage financing. It requires a knowledge of the area,
and of your needs and preferences as to size, style and features. Finally, you should be
able to comparison shop, sizing up a number of fairly priced homes before making your
decision.
To accomplish all the steps in the home buying process, select a REALTOR to help you
locate the right home. REALTORS are committed to a Code of Ethics, and to treating all
parties fairly. They will lead you through the buying process, help with financing, and
locate a variety of suitable homes at fair prices. Because they can show you virtually any
home being offered for sale, you only need the services of one REALTOR.
If you want help selecting a home from the greatest possible inventory, I will be glad
to assist you. Please call me at 260-489-7024
or outside of Fort Wayne call 1-800-395-9527.
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