So you found a home you love, submitted a full price offer and the seller turns it down. What went wrong? If you are competing with other buyers on a property, a full price offer may not be good enough. While price is a starting point, many sellers also take into consideration concerns like timing and the hassle of inspections when accepting offers. A strong offer shows the seller that the transaction will be as smooth and seamless as possible.
 
“You never know when that dream home will suddenly come on the market. So, you should always be prepared to make a strong offer on a home. When you do make an offer, make it your best offer. And make it as straightforward as possible. Try to reduce or eliminate as many contingencies as possible - but be sure you’re comfortable with it. Be flexible in your negotiations, and address as many potential seller concerns as possible early on. If you’re dead set on a point or two, consider whether it's worth blowing the deal oe ...

One of the hardest things about buying a home is balancing your needs, wants and affordability.  An article recently posted in Realty Times does a good job of explaining how to maintain this balance.
 
“To buy the home that's right for you and your household, you may already have a dream home in mind. Then comes "what if we had a…..?" Reality sets in - you've got McMansion tastes on a starter home budget.
 
That's when it's time to face the question - how much home do you really need?
 
Nearly every buyer compromises on something. Maybe you get a fixer upper instead of a new home. Or, you buy a smaller home in a more expensive neighborhood. Or, you get a larger home in a suburb and compromise on the commute.”
 
Read the entire article here… http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice1/item/26393-20131016-how-much-home-should-you-buy ...

Pierce Home Finder Blog
As fall approaches you may find it more difficult to find a place to call home. With a busy summer sales season and discouraged sellers taking their properties off the market during the holidays, it can be frustrating for buyers who may be ready to move. Fox business outlines a list of things to take into consideration moving into the Fall and Winter months.  Among this list are items such as knowing your market, realizing the selection may be limited and, my personal favorite, check maintenance areas. Living in Tacoma, Washington a crucial maintenance concern is how the home has been equiped to handle rain, and in some cases snow.
 
"Fall is the ideal time to check things such as gutter drainage and the general upkeep of the yard. How does everything look? Does anything need repair? Visit the home on a rainy day and see for yourself. Then go inside and check out the furnace, looking for drafts, leakage issues and other possible structural/maintenan/ ...