Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy steps.

1.    Get prequalified for a mortgage.  You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and make your offer more desirable to the seller.  This is what home owners love to hear.

2.    Stay in close touch with your Realtor® at Howard Johnson Realty to find out first about new listings that come on the market. We are part of the MLS system in Jamaica, so we are authorize to sell any property listed on the Realtors of Jamaica’s website. Remember to be ready to go see a house as soon as it goes on the market.

3.    Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Internet sites such as www.realtorsjamaica.com , newspaper ads, and drive by your desired neighborhood frequently.  Maybe you’ll see a brand-new “for sale” sign before anyone else, then call your agent at Howard Johnson Realty for them to assist with appointments.  You will need a professional to start negotiating on your behalf.

4.    Be ready to make a decision.  Spend lots of time in advance deciding what you must have so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5.    Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t try to go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out.  We will help to make your offer attractive and irresistible.

6.    Keep contingencies to a minimum.  Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the signing of a contract until a certain date can make your offer unappealing.  In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly.  Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy.  Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy anything.  And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.