I was referred to Dawna by a mutual friend when I started looking for my dream retirement beach house in Cayucos. Our journey together took three years with lots of looking and discussions to finally find me the perfect house. I can't thank Dawna and her amazing Executive Assistant Jodi for all of their patience, helpfulness and hard work on my quest to find the perfect home. Both Dawna and Jodi made me feel like they had all of the time in the world for me when I called with questions or concerns. Dawna is always cheerful and such a pleasure to work with. She is very responsive and extremely knowledgeable about the central coast. I highly recommend Davies Company Real Estate for all of your real estate needs. I wouldn't hesitate to use Dawna again and I did.... I used Dawna to sell my Paso Robles home after I purchased my new home. I once again found both Dawna and Jodi to be extremely professional and knowledgeable about the market. Dawna did a wonderful job of marketing my house and went above and beyond until it sold.
- Get Professional Support: It is important to find a real estate agent that is best for your situation, and who can represent you as a buyer’s broker. Get referrals from friends you trust, talk to real estate attorneys and accountants for referrals. On average, most buyers interview at least two agents.
- Evaluate your situation: Look at your circumstances and see if homeownership is a good fit for your life, for today and/or the next 10+ years. Even if most of your friends own their home, it might be best for your personal circumstances to continue renting. Nationally, only about 65% of the population owns their homes.
- Explore the Market: Most buyers search the Multiple Listing service for available properties, but don’t rule out ‘For Sale by Owner’ (FSBO) listings. If you ignore them, you may be eliminating a portion of the market inventory. Even with non-listed properties, you can hire a buyer’s agent to represent you in your purchase. Avoid pocket listings, which usually result in the risk of dual agency, with an agent representing both you and the seller. Many pocket listing already have buyers before the listing comes on the market (unfair competition for prospective buyers).
- Look for Opportunity in Your Current Relationships: If you are a serious, qualified buyer, sellers need what you have to offer. Talk to the bank teller, message your contacts on social media, see if your landlord wants to sell any properties, ask relatives about any real estate opportunities. This may reveal some off-market listings and more inventory than might be only available to you and your agent.
- Don’t Rush Your Purchase: Consider how much time you have to choose a home. Does your current schedule allow for time to evaluate the market, see properties, and participate in the purchase process? Also, if your purchase is motivated by specific time periods, like a tax-deferred exchange or the start of a new job, your escrow closing date may be time sensitive. Starting to look at least 90+ days before you need to close escrow, if possible. This will give you a realistic time period to evaluate property condition, negotiate repairs, and get financing, if needed.