Source: Homes & Gardens —
Forget the hype around HGTV’s House Hunters – in real life, house hunting can be a frustrating and drawn out affair – all those properties that look great on the real estate agent’s website, only to disappoint when you see them in person, or that are snapped up before you can arrange a viewing.
But what if you could hire a professional house hunter to do the legwork for you in buying a house? A passionate property expert with an enviable contacts book, an encyclopaedic knowledge of your desired area, and the inside track on what homes are due to come on to the market, and who goes the extra mile to find you the perfect properties, even before they hit the listings? Yes, please.
House hunter services are increasingly sought out by clients who want to take the angst out of finding their forever home. We caught up with some of the best on the property trail to find out how they work, and what you can learn from them.
WHAT A PROFILE HOUSE HUNTER DOES THAT OTHER REAL ESTATE AGENTS DON’T
The whole point of a house hunter is that they have access ordinary buyers don’t, and they can leverage their network and insider knowledge to give you the key to the door of an incredible home. This is what they do.
1. FIND OFF-MARKET HOMES
Native New Yorker, historian and real estate agent McKenzie Ryan(opens in new tab) says her knowledge of buildings, architecture, and neighborhoods far exceeds that of a standard broker.
‘I can really visualize and strategically guide my clients to the exact home that they are looking for,’ she says. ‘I have an inventory of off-market homes for sale as well as “likely to sell” owners who I can easily match with the right buyer, and vice versa.
2. USE OLD-SCHOOL AND NEW-AGE RESOURCES
‘Additionally, if we have exhausted all resources,’ continues McKenzie, ‘I use both old-school and new-age resources like handwritten letters to homeowners who have a property that fits my buyer’s search, and will also post stories on my social media to tap my network of brokers and owners.
‘I have successfully utilized my social media to discover off-market and whisper listings for my clients, especially in low-inventory markets.’
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