Dressing for success is a common phrase heard when being given advice about applying for a new position or meeting someone of importance. But dressing for success can also be part of a well-planned strategy for purchasing a home. If you are planning to purchase a home soon and want to maximize each viewing opportunity, the following tips are sure to help.
Dress for home-viewing success
Instead of wearing a proper business suit or the pumps that demonstrate just the right mix of work ethic and creative genius, prospective home buyers will want to base their wardrobe on personal comfort and safety. Comfortable walking shoes with a low or medium heel with help to prevent accidental trips and falls when walking on unfamiliar ground and prevent getting a heal trapped in the crack or seam of sidewalks and decks.
In addition to choosing the right footwear, prospective buyers who plan to several homes during their viewing sessions will want to opt for comfortable, semi-casual attire that is geared for current local weather conditions. Adding an extra layer in the form of a sweater or light jacket can ease the transition between the climate-controlled car and the outside air temperatures. If rain is expected, remember to also bring along an umbrella.
Bring along a copy of your mortgage approval
In addition to dressing for success, prospective buyers who take the time to accessorize their financial standing with a mortgage approval letter from a reputable lender are sure to enjoy a much more productive home viewing process. Having this important piece of paper instantly adds weight to any offer that a buyer decides to make and is sure to get positive attention from home sellers. Mortgage pre-approval is particularly important in many areas of the country where residential housing inventories are particularly tight and competition from other buyers is fierce.
Show up in the company of an experienced, successful real estate professional
Another important accessory for any prospective home buyer who is serious about purchasing a home in today's hectic real estate market is the company of the right real estate agent. During each showing, agents with knowledge about the local market and the homes it offers can be an invaluable resource for their buyer clients. In addition to helping buyers hone in on the houses that best fit their criteria, these experienced professionals can also help buyers craft great offers, negotiate with sellers, and assist buyers by facilitating the entire home buying transaction, from viewing appointment to the closing table.