We're often asked by our clients, "How much should we offer?"  This is an excellent question.  The answer is not straight-forward, especially in a market like ours. 

Is the market cooling?  Are there fewer buyers?  Are these condos not priced properly in the market?

Real estate is local. 

 Often Buyers are disappointed with the lack of listings coming onto the market.  When they do find a place they really love and hope to call home, they often face bidding wars against other interested buyers.

Inexperienced appraisers are hurting the market, and buyers are frustrated.

I have several active, motivated, and ready buyers. There is very little to show them. What are Sellers waiting for?

As I moved around the city, I hit some patches of sunshine and warmth.  I realize that this is a good metaphor for the current real estate market. 

New Regulations, designed to create more transparancy will likely cause costly delays for buyers and sellers

What a difference a year makes.  The snapshot of the North Beach condo market last year looks very different than the current year...

Why would Sellers want to be on a reality show like this?  It is tough enough to finally realize the truth about the market in private.

Here is an article that Paula Siegel, a wrote, published in the For Buyers section.  It explains what happens from an escrow officer's point of view.  Of course, the Buyers will be conducting inspections and working with their lender or mortgage broker to obtain financing, too.  This article describes the escrow process

This entry was written by Paula Siegel, Escrow Officer with Fidelity National Title.  She can be reached at psiegel@fnf.com.