FAMILY DYNAMICS AND HOME BUYING Buying a home is rated as one of the most stressful things a couple can do. Add some children into the mix and, if not properly managed, it can be even more stressful. Here are some things I've found while working with my clients.
What's your stress? When I first meet a family who wants to buy or sell, I like to meet with both parents in our first interview so that I can understand how they came to the decision to purchase or sell and why they are moving. Usually a move is precipitated by some stress in their life and understanding that, I can address their needs. In the end, it's not just a house but a home and by understanding what motivates people I can help get them the home of their dreams with the least amount of effort. While this first interview can be long and involved it's a great way to save time down the road as I can tailor the homes we see to meet their needs.
Communication is important! Because we are making a decision together, communication between marriage partners and the children is extremely important. After I see a home with a family, I will give them time to sit down and think without me being in the room. This allows for open, honest discussion between couples. At the same time, after that discussion the couple should be open and honest with me about the homes we see so that I can tell if we are on the right track, looking at the right houses and I am meeting their needs etc. Often while we are looking, things we didn't realise were important become more so... like having laundry on the main floor or having a flat back yard for the kids to play. One time I looked with homes with a client for 3 months before she told me that she had never lived anywhere but on a cul de sac and that was important to her. Knowing this information from the beginning would have saved her a lot of time.
When to involve the kids? This is a hard one... should your children help you make a decision that may cost you $500,000? I've seen two ends of the spectrum. The healthiest approach that I've seen is when the parents talk rationally about the home when viewing and it's pros and cons in relation to their needs. Being the parent of smallish children, I think it's great to bring kids to open houses when decision-making is not too important, but when it comes down to making the offer, I like to meet my clients after the kids have gone to bed and we can concentrate on the details of the transaction and don't miss an important detail.
When's the right time to involve a REALTOR? Like any other investment, you should be researching the market, asking questions, finding out about the area you are interested in before you buy. A great REALTOR will work with you for as long as it takes... it could be days, months or years to find the right home and answer all your questions. The fact is that the longer you work with someone and the better they understand your needs, the easier it will be for that REALTOR to find you your perfect home.
Following up After the purchase or sale of a home, I will keep in touch with you to make sure you have all the information you need to make your move smoothly. I'll also check to make sure that your home meets your needs and help you find resources you need to renovate or upgrade your home to your tastes.
For more information on how I work with my clients, visit www.BriarHillGroup.com or call me direct at 250-744-0775.
Check out this recent referral letter!
Dear Mr. Holmes,
I would like to drop you a quick note to let you know how grateful and impressed I have been with my realtor Jane. From the moment I met with her, she has been patient and understanding beyond belief. It was a difficult assignment as I did not know Victoria very well and had certain criteria that I hoped to have. She constantly kept in touch and we saw many, many houses before the "right one' came along. Her friendly and open manner with me was comforting and very helpful. She is definitely an asset to your team. Yours sincerely G.D.