It is extremely important to know the state of the current property market. This will help you get a feel for pricing trends as well as give you some idea of whether to perhaps delay or even speed up your purchase.
Your agent, if professional, will of course know this information be able to give you the necessary pointers.
HOT MARKET
This is an extremely competitive market, one that is advantageous to the seller. Sometimes, homes will sell as soon as they are listed or even before homes are listed. Typically, during a hot market, multiple offers will be made on each home and more often than not, homes will sell for more than their asking price.
It is even more crucial to be prepared and to be ready as a buyer when the market is hot. It can be easy to get caught up in the bid for a home, but if you are prepared (pre-approved, solid in price range, realistic about your needs), it is easier to remain focused on your housing needs and price range.
NORMAL MARKET
In a normal market, there is fairly a large number of homes available and an average number of buyers. This market does not necessarily favour the buyer or the seller. A seller may not have as many offers on their home, but he or she may not be desperate to sell either.
Again, it is the buyer's responsibility to be prepared. During a normal market, the chances to negotiate are higher than in a hot market. As a buyer, you can expect to make offers at lower than the asking price and negotiate a price at least somewhat less than what the sellers are asking.
COLD MARKET
In a cold market, houses may be listed for more than a year and the prices of houses listed may drop considerably. This market is advantageous to the buyer. As a buyer, you have the time to make an offer that works to your best interest. It is not uncommon to low-ball and to find that sellers are accommodating to meet your needs. Keep in mind that even though this market is a great time for buyers, you do not want to lose your dream home by being unrealistic. Your goal is to get your dream home at the best possible price.
It is an opportunity for buyers to select from a large number of homes that could satisfy their needs. Everyone involved is ready to bend over backwards to make it possible for you to buy your dream home. Most sellers are highly motivated and so are the local real estate agents, loan companies, title companies, and other professionals involved in the transaction.
Currently in South Africa, we are entering the end of a Cold phase and slowly entering normal market conditions. Stay up to date with by reading our various articles on the subject, by subscribing to our newsletter or by visiting our Blog.
It is important to remember that the real estate market runs in cycles, and conditions can change without a lot of warning. This could be the perfect time to contact a good real estate agent to discuss your needs and to explore the possibilities available to you.
A MATTER OF TIMING
You have found the perfect house and are thinking about making an offer, but are feeling pressured to make a decision just when you want time to consider the matter. The agent tells you that another party is thinking about making an offer, so you shouldn't hesitate if you really want the house. What should you do? Trust your agent!
It is natural to feel some pressure from even the most easy-going real estate agent--and some uncertainty about making an offer. If you really like a house, there is always the possibility that someone else will share your enthusiasm for it.
Whether your local market is active or sluggish, it is sensible to assume that another offer is likely to come in. Perhaps you can afford to "sleep on it", but moving as quickly as possible will minimize the possibility that the house will go to another buyer
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