Top Ten List: Mistakes That Buyers Make, Part 1
Buying a home in Marin County is a very difficult process. The housing stock varies widely, microclimates and school systems are all different, and of course, it is very expensive.
Here’s what you need to watch out for when buying property in Marin County. Or as I like to call it, the Top Ten List of Buyer’s Mistakes.
1. Not doing your homework. Number one and for good reason. As noted in earlier posts, this is a tough place to buy. Do the research upfront. Look at as many homes as you can.
Explore different commute routes to 101 - is it really shorter to take Magnolia from Kentfield, or should you take Sir Francis Drake in the morning through Greenbrae?
Is the Bacich School district really mandatory, or will Larkspur schools suffice? Planning on a public high school, or private? That could change your options dramatically.
Do you like cool, foggy nights or warm ones? That can be the difference between Mill Valley and San Anselmo.
The list is endless, but do the work upfront, and you’ll be ready to act when the time comes.
2. Impatience. Once you’ve zeroed in on San Anselmo, or Larkspur, or the Reed School District, the natural reaction is to find a house NOW! And sometimes that’s necessary. The school year is starting, the baby is here, whatever the reason, you’re ready to move. But be patient, and get a thorough understanding of what’s out there. If you’re like most people, this is the biggest investment of your life, so don’t jump on the first thing you see.
3. Can’t pull the trigger. This is the other side of No.2, sometimes called “analysis paralysis.” If you’ve followed Step 1, you should know what you want and where. The question now is actually doing something about it, and for some, it’s not easy.
We’ve had clients who passed on a place they loved, because they thought something better would come along…and a year later they’re still waiting. They remember the place they missed so fondly, they can never find anything to live up to it. And if they’re limited to a specific town, like Corte Madera, it becomes even harder, because inventory is limited.
How to avoid this trap? Call it shameless self promotion, but a good agent will help with this one. Find someone you really trust, and when they tell you this is the place - listen carefully. They’ve seen a lot, and they should be speaking from experience. They know how often places like this are on the market, and can tell you.
Tomorrow: More on how to avoid the big mistakes.
Great list. I like your comments about being impatient or trigger-shy. Seems like an agent would smooth out the process. When we tried to sell a house on our own, my wife and I could barely handle the stress.