In today's real estate landscape, the journey of buying a home has changed significantly. To shed light on this process and offer real life insights, we sat down with our co-founder, Raffi Holzer, to discuss his experience. Additionally we'll explore the current state of the housing market and provide strategies for both buyers and realtors to navigate these interesting times.

One buyer's journey: Raffi's story

Finding the perfect fit

When Raffi began his home search, he focused on elements that couldn't be easily changed. "I wanted a great backyard on a quiet tree-lined street with some old world charm," he explains. This approach led him to a 1920s Tudor-style Colonial that, while needing renovation, offered the land and character he desired.

Takeaway for buyers: Prioritize location and fundamental features that align with your long-term vision. Be open to properties that may need some work but offer the right foundations.

Navigating market surprises

One of Raffi's biggest surprises was the impact of property taxes on home values. "I'd be looking at Zillow and wondering why I could get so much more for my dollar in one neighborhood vs another," he recalls. This realization made him realize they needed to do a budget adjustment, another reality of the home buying process.

Takeaway for buyers: Look beyond the listing price. Factor in property taxes, HOA fees, and potential renovation costs when determining your budget.

The role of technology

Zillow played a crucial role in Raffi's search, but he also leveraged Facebook groups to access off-market properties. "Some of the best properties never actually hit the market. You'd have to simply be in the know," he notes.

Takeaway for buyers and realtors: Utilize a mix of traditional platforms and social media to cast a wider net. Realtors should maintain a strong online presence to connect with potential buyers.

Emotional highs and lows

The home-buying process was an emotional roller coaster for Raffi and his wife. A particularly stressful moment came when they found themselves in a silent auction for their dream home. “After seeing what felt like an endless parade of homes, we finally fell in love with one, and there were 5 offers that came in within 24 hours of ours. The owners conducted a silent auction, which we thankfully won, but that was an anxiety filled couple of days.” Raffi mentioned.

Takeaway for buyers: Prepare yourself emotionally for a potentially intense process. Having a strong support system and a clear set of priorities can help you navigate the ups and downs.

The current housing market: challenges and opportunities

Limited inventory

Today's housing market is going through a low inventory moment in many areas, leading to increased competition among buyers. This scarcity often results in multiple offer situations and above-asking price sales.

Strategy for buyers: Be prepared to act quickly when you find a home you love. Have your financing in order and consider writing a personal letter to the sellers to stand out from other offers.

Strategy for realtors: Help your clients understand the importance of being decisive and having their paperwork ready. Consider setting up automatic alerts for new listings that match your clients' criteria.

Rising interest rates

After a period of historically low rates, interest rates have been on the rise, affecting affordability for many buyers.

Strategy for buyers: Work with a mortgage professional to explore different loan options. Consider buying points to lower your interest rate or looking into adjustable-rate mortgages if you plan to refinance or move within a few years.

Strategy for realtors: Partner with trusted lenders who can offer creative financing solutions for your clients. Stay informed about rate trends to help your clients make timely decisions.

Changing buyer preferences

The pandemic has shifted many buyers' priorities, with increased demand for home offices, outdoor spaces, and suburban locations.

Strategy for buyers: Clearly define your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Be open to properties that may not check every box but offer potential for customization.

Strategy for realtors: Be in the know to evolving buyer preferences. Highlight features like home office potential or outdoor living spaces in your listings.

The future of home buying

As Raffi predicts, the home buying process is becoming increasingly digital. From virtual tours to remote closings, technology is streamlining many aspects of the transaction.

For buyers: Embrace these technological advancements, but don't underestimate the value of in-person viewings for your top choices. One way to embrace technology is to use tools like Palazzo, which allows you to visualize any space in your personal style.

For realtors: Invest in high-quality virtual tour technology and digital transaction management tools. These can give you a competitive edge and make the process smoother for your clients.

Final advice from Raffi

Reflecting on his experience, Raffi offers this wisdom: "Know what your non-negotiables are as well as what your firm budget is. It's easy to be emotionally bumped off course if either of those guardrails are not locked in."

He also cautions against overextending financially: "There is no home that makes you happier than money stress will make you sad."

Ending note

The journey to homeownership in today's market is complex, but with the right preparation, resources, and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience. By staying informed about market conditions, leveraging technology, and working with experienced professionals, buyers can navigate the challenges and find a home that meets their needs and budget.

For realtors, the key lies in adapting to the digital landscape while continuing to provide the personal touch and local expertise that clients value. By embracing both innovation and traditional relationship-building, you can guide your clients successfully through this important life milestone.

Remember, whether you're a buyer or a realtor, flexibility, patience, and a clear understanding of your goals are your best tools in navigating the ever-changing real estate market.