One of the biggest fears that buyers have is missing out on a property. So what do you do? You should use ELIMINATION process vs. SELECTION. What does that mean? Instead of selecting properties that you like you consider all properties in your price range and the area you are considering. Then you eliminate unwanted houses one by one. You will be left with whatever is left and if new listings come on the market – you can use exactly the same process.
Also – when you search for homes – don’t add too many filters – you should consider ALL houses in your price range in the area that you are interested. If you are considering the whole DC Metro – you are crazy! Go and rent until you figure out where you want to live.
I set up my clients on automatic listing updates coming directly from our Multiple Listing Service and they are able to use the process above. They can save favorite Arlington homes and discard the ones they don’t want. If you’d like to receive such updates – please let me know – it is no trouble at all to set you up.
Also – very few For Sale By Owners list in MLS. Check Zillow.com or Craiglist.com to see if there is anything worth your attention. So if you do’t want to miss out on anything – you should constantly check those websites as well.
Remember – good ones go fast – so when you find “The One” – you need to write an offer quickly!