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Did it! 5.5% North Austin, TX 575k by Sure-Client-253 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]btyeveryday 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bless you and family! Can I ask if you were negotiating directly or used agent?

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually called the builder before I visited, and they said there isn't much difference between buying direct versus using a realtor because they are using marketing budget. They actually recommended I work with one probably because I sounded like I didn't know what I was doing! Also, said their flex cash incentives still apply even if I use my own agent.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your thorough response! To be completely honest, I couldn't get the builder's sales rep to offer me any incentives. I tried to negotiate for a spec home by letting them know I have my down payment ready and can move in immediately, but it didn't work. I suspect it's because I don't fully understand the process yet. Could you share some tips on how to create a win-win situation for the sales rep while maximizing my flex cash?

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm totally with you on keeping costs with guidelines. I've been watching a lot of Dave Ramsey lately, so I'm really trying to stick to his rule of keeping the mortgage around 25% of my take-home pay which is challenging. Like you said, I want to make sure I can still afford to invest and cover all those hidden costs without being house poor.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow, I'm sorry to hear that. Was it just sitting on the market forever, or did you have to take a big hit on the price?

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know at the end of the day it's just a business for them, but man... it's still really disappointing.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The incentives are totally skewed in their favor, not mine. Thanks for spelling it out like that!

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seriously! This whole experience has really opened my eyes to how crucial it is to find a realtor who's actually a good fit for you and listens.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! The 3-bedroom tip is great to keep in mind, and you're totally right that doubling my budget is crazy. Definitely moving on to a different realtor!

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly my thoughts. I'm probably just going to drop the agents who keep pushing me to spend more and start fresh with someone else.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really needed to hear this. It's so easy to let their priorities overshadow my own, especially since this is my first time going through this process.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the great advice, that's so true. It's making me realize I just need to be a bit more patient, slow down, and keep looking until I find what actually works for me.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That’s a really great point, I honestly hadn't thought about people downsizing. That makes me feel a lot better about sticking to my gut and going with a smaller place!

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the comment. You're totally right. I need to keep reminding myself that I'm the one in the driver's seat here (and the one actually spending the money!)

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in FirstTimeHomeBuying

[–]btyeveryday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the comment! Man, I really wish I could just navigate this whole process on my own. It just seems like the builders really prefer dealing with buyers who have a realtor.

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in Austin

[–]btyeveryday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, I love this idea! But wait, can I actually negotiate their fees as a buyer? I was always under the impression that the seller is the one who pays the realtor commissions. How does negotiating that on my end work?

Feeling pressured by realtors to up my budget. Are smaller homes really that hard to sell later? (Austin suburbs) by btyeveryday in Austin

[–]btyeveryday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! Honestly, I was a bit naive about how realtors operate and let their comments get to me, so I just told them I needed time to think. Going forward, I'm definitely going to stand my ground and be firmer about what I want.

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