Article Summary

Summary of "Even in a home buyer's market, it's important to use your clout wisely"
By Paul Owers, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted January 8 2007

Andy's summary notes and useful advice from this article:

• Always use a full time professional experienced Realtor who understands the market and its history. 
• Buyers shouldn't make ridiculous low offers.
• A lowball offer usually sets the tone for the deal and it becomes emotional for the seller.
• No mater how badly you want a property, do not show emotion because the seller will use it to his advantage.
• Don't be shy about asking for extras like the buyer paying closing costs, HOA fees in advance, etc.
• If a seller balks at your price or terms, just move on to the next one.

And a bright note from this article, doomsayer Jack McCabe actually agreed with Andy on something.

"If you're a buyer, this is your time now," said Jack McCabe, a Deerfield Beach-based housing analyst.  (Andy's Note.  This is the same Jack McCabe who was predicting doom for the South Florida market until very recently.  If even he sees this as a hopeful buyers market things really must be turning around.  Click here for some of his earlier pronouncements) 

Ask Andy for a reprint of this article.