How Home Buyers stay ahead of their competition in a hot houseing market

The housing market is as hot as it has been in years! There are more buyers then there are sellers, prices are rising, and if your lucky, you will be the only one writing an offer on your dream house. How does a buyer stay ahead of there competition? Most buyers looking for homes online are using a third party website other then the Northstar MLS. In order to gain access to the real MLS you need to be a licensed REALTOR and member of the association. There are two major downfalls to not having MLS access. First, only the MLS can filter out the homes that have offers on them. If you are using 3rd party, you will see multiple homes that are currently under contract and NOT available for you to purchase. Second, it takes 24-48 hours for the just listed homes to populate to third party websites. In this market, houses are not making it through the weekend. With MLS access, we can send you new homes with in the hour of their activation. How can a buyer strengthen their offer to win in a multiple offer situation? At the end of the day, 99% of sellers will go with an offer that will bring them more $ money $. However, there are ways to make your offer more attractive so the sellers may counter you back if your price is a little lower than the other. 1) Make your offer with a flexible close date. 2) Pay your own closing cost. 3) Give the sellers more than a customary 1% (this shows you are less likely to walk away form the deal. 4) Pay all cash...... At the end of the day, these are circumstantial. As a buyer in a hot market, know what your limits are. Be prepared to reach them for a house that you know you must have.Put your best foot forward with no regrets!