Let’s face it: Grass Valley real estate is trending towards a seller’s market. Inventory is low and most homes are off the market in days. In the Grass Valley area especially, buyers are looking for a 3 bed 2 bath home with land for less than $350,000. Homes that fit that criteria are gone in a flash. Some of those properties even have multiple over-asking price offers the same day it’s listed. What do you do if you’re a home buyer desperate for what every other buyer wants? Read some of our tips to help you out!
Let your agent set you up: Start by contacting your agent and have them set you up with an account that gives you access to homes on the market. While many agents in the Grass Valley area will give you access to the local multiple listing service, there are some small problems with it. Once the agent sets up what you’re looking for, you will not be able to change your results. Maybe you end up wanting another bedroom or can’t afford what you originally said you could. Coldwell Banker offers something different. It’s a customizable search exclusive to the company. Even after your agent has set you up with search parameters, you can go back later and change your preferences. For example, you might start out wanting a 3 bed 2 bath home in Nevada City, but you may find that you prefer the Penn Valley area. This Coldwell Banker exclusive site can do that for you. Be sure to ask a Coldwell Banker agent to show you!
Don’t use sites like Trulia or Zillow: Although those sites claim to be accurate, they are usually off. These sites are fed from many multiple listing services (MLS) and company listings. It takes these sites a few days to get as up-to-date as the county MLS system. By that point you might be falling in love with a home that is already in the final days of escrow. Trust that your agent is doing what they can to show you what is available. You can always contact your agent if you see something. They will be happy to show you what you want.
Know what you can get: As previously mentioned, we are currently in a seller’s market. Desirable homes are going pending almost as soon as they are listed. This means that you need to act fast when you see a home that you like. Sometimes that day or two you want to think over your offer might be too long. You also need to know what you are qualified for. Try to get pre-approved by a mortgage company before you go out to look at houses. That way you know what you can afford. You don’t want to find a great home and then have your dreams dashed because you can’t afford it. Knowing what you can afford also means that you know if you can go over asking price on a home you want.
Being a buyer in a seller’s market can be difficult, but with a little patience you can find your dream home. Contact Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty for more help finding your home.
