Real Estate Doesn't Have To Be Scary

Buying or selling your home, investment property or business is a huge deal and probably one of the biggest transactions you will ever make, but it doesn't have to be S_C_A_R_Y. It may seem nail-biting and hair-raising, but having a team of advocates by your side will make it less frightening.

Aside from the mountain of paperwork, the time involved, the back and forth negotiation plus the frustration of possible rejection....What's so nerve-racking, right? Well a lot can be, but it doesn't have to be. First off, get a team together. Being surrounded by those who have experience in the type of real estate you're looking for can make a "fangtastic" difference towards taking the bite out of fright.

Knowing and understanding the current market can help you negotiate for a good price both in buying and selling a property. Even a real estate spokesperson can keep you on track through the steps which is crucial as many items are time sensitive. They can also help you through the negotiation process. You know: like when a buyer asks for contingencies, or when something comes up on the inspection you didn't plan for, or when there are multiple offers with different types of terms involved, or there are zoning restrictions on a commercial or multi-unit property. Having a team can clear the bugs out of a tangled and twisted spider web. If going that route, just make sure you are surrounded by a dream team, not a "Nightmare on Elm Street".

Besides considering getting an investment savvy Realtor or other licensed industry professional, you might benefit from a good Lender, Inspector, and Title Agent/Settlement Company, then possibly a contractor if you're doing a reno. The bonus is that once you find your Realtor or other experienced real estate person, you can generally trust them to make recommendations for the rest of your team. Consider them like the Ghostbusters of Real Estate.

"Don't be afraid of the dark"......"Come into the Light". Get knowledgeable on the process, the types of home, investment or businesses you want and who your target audience is. If selling a home, consider the potential buyers you are bringing in to tour it. If investing, think about the types of renters you are attracting to an investment property and the areas/markets that make the most sense to invest in. The numbers have to got to work. List the things you need to do and the stuff you need to know. Understanding the intricacies and details of the real estate market will prove positive for you. You don't want to be startled by unexpected things that go bump in the night. Again, consulting others, asking a lot of questions and doing your research is essential. "Knowledge Really IS Power".

Patience is a virtue to have when buying (or selling) your home/investment property/business. You don't always go out the first day, find a property, make an offer on it, get it accepted, sail right through the loan application, inspection and close in record time. Likewise, when your home goes on the market, you don't always see a line waiting at your front door with multiple offers, though in this current market many have seen that exact scenario. Generally though it takes time, proper planning, checklists, and number crunching to ensure nothing out of the ordinary startles you. Likewise, when you do a property tour, houses are never haunted when you take an industry professional with you as they often point out the hidden, the strange and yes sometimes the "supernatural". Some people live and breathe real estate every day of their lives, so having them on your side will help save you from the terrifying and trembling fear of the unknown.

Since this is a huge decision don't feel pressured to make a rash one. While many times you do need to act swiftly on a property because there are others lurking out there, you shouldn't panic and make an impulsive move. Make real estate a spook-tacular experience. Happy Halloween from Pittsburgh, PA everyone!