Many times, in real estate and in life, what someone thought was a win, in hindsight was certainly not a win. For many, winning at real estate might involve simply “getting what you want”. Today, I would like to add some additional perspective so those wins stay wins.
Often when shopping, a buyer falls in love early on with what they believe to be a perfect house. It seems to have everything they’re looking for… Curb appeal, location, backyard, white cabinets, luxury vinyl, all the things. An offer is made and everyone waits (fingers crossed) chanting their new favorite mantra “if it is meant to be it is meant to be”. Imagine the shock if their offer is not the winner. This is where defining the win becomes very important.
Having plenty of years in the books of Tucson real estate, one thing I’ve never seen, when all is said & done, is a buyer long for the one that “got away”. Here are three thoughts along those lines as you define your win:
1. Set your foot in a lot of homes.
There is no better way to absorb what a home has to offer than physically driving to the home, through the neighborhood, then setting foot inside. I tell clients they will get tired of looking at homes before I will get tired of showing them homes. I give them a target of 40 to start with and watch their eyes widen 😂
2. There is a lot to be learned from a near miss.
There are a lot of feelings to manage when something is so close, then feels snatched away. When it is close, all seems rosy, yet, when snatched away, all of a sudden, negatives appear from nowhere. It also creates an accurate sense of urgency when the winner does ultimately appear.
3. Define your win.
It is usually a certain combination – starting with what we referenced above – curb appeal, location, backyard, size, purchase price, payment & terms, amenities, timing, etc. This list & the subsequent ranking process is unique to each purchaser. For one person, overpaying for the right house is no big deal as long as it’s the right house. For another, it’s an entirely different list with its own rankings but they need it today. The definition of the win evolves as the shopping process goes on and it takes a savvy agent to recognize and assist with this.
I would be remiss if I did not point out that the definition of the win will often be challenged during the process – sometimes by availability, sometimes with a rude seller, sometimes with economics – anything that evokes emotions and clouds focus. This is where the presence of a skilled and knowledgeable agent is vital. If you’re not sure how to find one of these agents, just Ask!
