I am often asked – if I watch reality TV shows about real estate. Selling Sunset, House Hunters, Million Dollar Listing and Property Brothers – top of most people’s binge worthy lists!
Funny – before I became a realtor – I was obsessed with them. Now….I never watch them. Reality TV shows make it seem so EASY – for 99% of people to find, buy, and afford their dream home. And if you want to sell or remodel it later? No problem—the shows make it seem like a relatively easy process – with renovators/contractors standing by to help you transform the home to sell at a HUGE profit!!!!!
But is the buying, selling, and rehabbing of a home really so simple, fast and fun like on tv?
How many homes should you look at? There is no magic number as to how many houses you should, or will need, to see. It’s kind of like dating before you get married. Some people only date one person before walking down the aisle. Others need to kiss 100 frogs first. On House Hunters, have you noticed that buyers ALWAYS only look at three – four homes!?
In my experience – the typical buyer looks at 8-10 homes. However, I have been known to show 100+ when needed (back in the old days when we had that much inventory!!!)
While house hunting on TV seems easy, it can be confusing, overwhelming and uncomfortable.
To make the best use of your time, you should thoroughly understand your real estate must-haves and your budget before spending hours on Realtor.ca and/or getting into your car! It’s important that buyers have a clear view of their needs – over their wants – in relation to their budget.
Separate things you can change (paint colors, landscaping, etc.) from things you can’t change (nearby schools, commute time to work, etc.) about the property. It is my job to help you understand that if you really want a WHITE kitchen – we can find a dark one and have it painted – if everything else is PERFECT about the house! But cracks in the foundation? Not so fixable.
You don’t see a lot of due diligence on TV! I can help you find out if there is a dog walking area within your radius – or a Starbucks in walking distance. Whether schools are on your radar or not – good to know what is in the area for the future (in case your life changes) or for resale value down the road. Vacant lot or green space behind…..best to find out NOW what it WILL be in the future!!!!!!
High-stakes negotiations between realtors don’t get hammered out in seconds over fancy cocktails in the neighborhood pub. People are that picky and indecisive. And they should be – it is a HUGE investment!
Want to know a dirty little House Hunters secret? Sometimes two of the three houses buyers look at – aren’t even ON THE MARKET! A guest on House Hunters revealed that she’d already picked out a new home – when she and her spouse were filmed for the show. The other two homes were friends’ houses that producers thought would look good on TV.
I know (and respect) that the pursuit of the perfect home – involves big decisions – that usually take place over a prolonged period of time.
I am here to help – at your pace! My famous lines are….”there is always another house” – and “we can do better!”