The other evening I stepped outside after work and found that the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and that fresh, lovely post-rain smell. I had the urge to run singing through the streets Sound-of-Music-style before I remembered I was in the middle of a crowded city, not a meadow in the Alps. Today, I checked the date and was startled to see that it’s March (where did February go?). I don’t want to jinx it, but I think that spring might be here.
Spring is traditionally one the busiest times of year for real estate.
Great weather makes for pleasant house hunting. Not to mention, front yards tend to have cast off winter’s gloom with new blooms and green leaves, adding significantly to curb appeal. With summer and potential vacation time just around the corner, sellers feel more motivated, leading to an increased inventory. According to Zillow, April through July were the best times to buy a home in Seattle in 2016.
Due to the season’s many perks, shopping for real estate in the spring also has its challenges–more buyers are looking for homes, which can lead to increased competition and bidding wars. However, spring is in the air, and there’s no need to stress. Pickett Street is here to guide you through the process of buying a home at (425) 502-5397) or info@pickettstreet.com.
In the meantime, here are a few tips for spring house hunting.
1. Shape up your credit score now.
A healthy credit score will help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. According to John Danaher, the president of consumer interactive at the credit bureau TransUnion, “credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and the appraisal or value of property…are still the standard pillars of the mortgage industry.”
The first step is to check your credit report and understand what is affecting this score. Did you overspend a bit during the holidays? Do you have a derogatory item, such as a very late payment, on your credit? Danaher notes that paying your bills on time is still “the single biggest determinant” in your credit score.
2. Get pre-approved.
This step is important no matter what time of year it is. Getting pre-approved means that a lender has guaranteed to grant you a loan to buy a home. Simply put, getting pre-approved to tells sellers that you are a qualified and prepared buyer and will help you stand out among other buyers.
3. Be decisive.
Now is really not the time to waffle back and forth about whether or not you should buy the property–while you’re waffling, it’s highly likely that the house will go to someone else. As the famous and wise LL Cool J says, stay focused, go after your dreams, and keep moving toward your goals.
Similarly, it’s important to make a strong offer on the home you’re interested in. Real estate experts agree that, in a seller’s market, it’s smart to show that you’re serious with a strong opening offer. Again, don’t stress too much about this; Pickett Street can help you figure out how much you should offer and will make this process exponentially easier for you.
4. Be flexible.
Keep in mind that you might end up offering more than the asking price for a home. Likewise, don’t be afraid to look at properties that might not be your top choice–life is often surprising, and you may find your dream home hiding in the places you least expect.
If you’re ready to start house hunting, get in touch with Pickett Street ((425) 502-5397) or info@pickettstreet.com) for real estate help during this exciting time of year full of new homes and fresh blooms.