Realtors offer buyers an edge as the 2016 home-buying season draws near

The Orlando home-buying season is just around the corner. And as if purchasing a home during the peak season wasn’t already a competitive endeavor, Orlando’s inventory of available properties has been in a decline since summer of 2015.

To improve your chances of securing your dream home, there are a few important steps to take right off the bat:

• Have your finances in order. Know how much house you can truly afford, repair any credit issues, have your down payment in hand, and delay major purchases.

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage, over and above getting pre-qualified.

• Determine in advance which home features are “must-have” and which features are “nice-to-have.”

Of course, the most important thing buyers can do to give themselves an advantage is to hire a Realtor. “Realtors have real insights and unparalleled knowledge of local market conditions, and they can help you navigate all components of the complicated home-buying process,” explains Orlando Regional Realtor Association President John Lazenby from the Colony Realty Group.

So you’ve worked with your Realtor to scour listings and tour properties, and finally found a house to call home. Now what? In a seller’s market — like the one that Orlando has been in for the last few years — there can a great deal of pressure on the buyer to submit an impressive bid. Crafting an attractive purchase offer is another point at which your Realtor advice can be especially helpful.

Believe it or not, the contract with the highest priced offer is not always the one that wins. “Of course sellers want to get the best price for their home, but that isn’t always the deciding factor,” says Lazenby. “The bid that causes the least amount of hassle for the seller is the one that will often win. Your Realtor can look at your personal situation and can suggest ways of eliminating or reducing the number of contingencies with your bid, such as pre-offer inspections, that can help make your offer stronger.”

When you’re ready to buy (or considering selling) in a market that strongly favors one side over another, using a Realtor is always a smart move. Buying and selling a home under any market condition is one of life’s biggest decisions, and a Realtor will guide you through the process.

Visit orlandorealtors.com for more information about selling or buying a home in the Orlando area, or to find a Realtor for assistance with your real estate transaction.