Columbus home buyers often put much research into the home buying process, to prepare themselves for the biggest purchase they are likely to make during their lifetime. With more information at their fingertips than ever before, some home buyers feel confident that they can find a good deal for themselves.
Unfortunately, home buyers who brave the Columbus real estate market on their own, without the professional representation of an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, are up against a stacked deck. Not only are they subject to the limitations of a traditional brokerage that represents the seller, they can also find their emotions sweeping them away, prompting them into hasty decisions.
This can cause buyers to overpay for a home that they have fallen in love with – or cause them to overlook material flaws that present a money pit for years to come. Or both.
It’s no secret that our decisions are largely based on emotion, and consumer advertising is geared to play upon our emotions. The same is true of real estate. Words used to describe homes for sale include “cozy” instead of “small.” Or “stunning” instead of “jaw-dropping price.” The listing agents do their best to convey positive feelings in these property descriptions. They hope to make you respond emotionally, so that you’ll write an offer upon your first visit.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t buy a home you dislike, just because the numbers are perfect. If you don’t like the home, you won’t be happy there, no matter how great the deal was.
Instead, you should recognize the role that emotions play in your decisions, and realize why you may be drawn to certain homes. A recent article by The Record suggests that home buyers instinctively seek out properties that remind them, in some way, of their childhood home. The quest for the familiar is a very personal aspect of the home ownership process. It may drive you to seek out homes with certain characteristics, and to seek neighborhoods with parks and playgrounds like those you once knew.
Are your emotional needs a valid consideration in the home buying process? Yes. However, you must work with an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker to ensure that you have expert guidance to protect your financial and contractual interests. This prevents you from being at a strategic disadvantage, and provides you with a dedicated representative who will negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times. Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times. Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner.
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
