Sunday, April 20, 2025
51 F
Roseville

The Challenge for Home Buyers

Roseville, Calif. – There are many articles describing what you should do to find and tips for buying a house.  They include things from, “Know Thyself” to “Get Prequalified.”  None of these articles are wrong and there is good advice including doing research, use a Realtor, get your finances in order and be realistic.  Maybe more important today, in our Sacramento area housing market, is to be prepared to have your patience tested and understand the process of finding and buying a home can be difficult for many buyers, especially in the lower price range.

In our Sacramento housing market the demand for houses is stronger than the supply of homes for sale.  This, not only, means there is upward pressure on prices, it also means it is a seller’s market.  Almost every seller is getting multiple offers in the under $500,000 price range for homes in good neighborhoods that show well.  This past weekend I was working with a young professional couple looking to buy their first home in Sacramento.  They want to buy a home priced below $425,000 and want something that does not require too much work to move-in and would like something they describe as charming.   After a few days and a dozen houses we found one in the Tahoe Park neighborhood.  It met all the needs of our buyers and then some.  It was in a good neighborhood, clean, updated and had charm galore.  I knew this was not going to be easy but we prepared a over asking price offer, had our buyers write a letter to the sellers and prepared their lender to make a follow-up call on the listing agent to assure her the buyers were approved and would have no problems making the purchase.  We even went so far as letting the listing agent know we could improve our offer if there were other buyers.

The great offer we made was only 1 of 25 the seller received on the Tahoe Park home.  We don’t know the details but the listing agent told us there was one “very aggressive” offer the sellers could not refuse.  I suspect it was a high cash purchase price or one which did not depend on an appraisal.  We can’t blame the seller for this but it does make it difficult for buyers and after several defeats they want to quit looking and avoid the frustration.

In the example above I want to commend the listing agent who was responsive and easy to work with.  This is becoming the exception in our “Seller’s Market.”  Many of the agents we deal with understand their listing is in demand and they have leverage.  Too often they are not responsive and seem to check out for days.  There is nothing more frustrating than having anxious buyers and not being able to tell them when we can expect to hear about an offer.  Buyers are willing to wait but not for excessive days or excuses about seller’s being out of town while other offers are solicited.

For buyers who understand the process of finding and buying a home can be a bumpy and have patience success can be achieved.  We have been through this before and even after losing out on several listings the home they end up with seems to make it all worthwhile.  If you are a buyer, hang in there; trust your agent and success can be yours.



Coming Up!

Coming Up!

Trending

West Coast Sourdough in Roseville on Blue Oaks

West Coast Sourdough located in Roseville, CA offers the freshest sourdough bread and ingredients in each sandwich we create! We also have bread bowls, salads and freshly baked cookies each day! Come try the best sandwich shop in Roseville, CA today

Sierra College Foundation to establish Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund

Rocklin, Calif. - Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is humbled to announce it has received a $400,000 gift to establish the Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund to support Sierra College students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields,

New Colfax Water Treatment Plant: PCWA approves construction contract

Auburn, Calif. - At a special meeting on Friday, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a construction contract for the new Colfax Water Treatment Plant

Placer County Youth Commission accepting applications for 2025-26 term

Auburn, Calif. - The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2025-26 term.

Can I still be healthy on Spring Break? 6 travel tips from a nutritionist

Sacramento, Calif.- After many weeks of rain and cold in the Sacramento area, it's finally time to start thinking about spring break travel!

Topics

West Coast Sourdough in Roseville on Blue Oaks

West Coast Sourdough located in Roseville, CA offers the freshest sourdough bread and ingredients in each sandwich we create! We also have bread bowls, salads and freshly baked cookies each day! Come try the best sandwich shop in Roseville, CA today

Sierra College Foundation to establish Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund

Rocklin, Calif. - Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is humbled to announce it has received a $400,000 gift to establish the Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund to support Sierra College students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields,

New Colfax Water Treatment Plant: PCWA approves construction contract

Auburn, Calif. - At a special meeting on Friday, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a construction contract for the new Colfax Water Treatment Plant

Placer County Youth Commission accepting applications for 2025-26 term

Auburn, Calif. - The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2025-26 term.

Can I still be healthy on Spring Break? 6 travel tips from a nutritionist

Sacramento, Calif.- After many weeks of rain and cold in the Sacramento area, it's finally time to start thinking about spring break travel!

Human Genome Project: Personalize your health

Incredibly, years ago, the entire human genome was mapped! You might be thinking, "What is that, and how does it affect me?"

California Window Fashions by Skyline in Roseville

Transform the natural light in your Roseville home with window treatments. Discover Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, shutters and drapery.

2025 Genesis GV80 Coup arrives with dubious name

The new 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The luxury division of Hyundai, Genesis officially categorizes the vehicle as a mid-size luxury SUV. Yet there's no denying the sloping roofline is reminiscent of a coupe

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry in Rocklin serving the local community since 2000

Rocklin, Calif.- For nearly 25 years, Jason and Heather have grown their successful Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry practice by faithfully serving patients throughout the Rocklin, Roseville, and greater South Placer County region. Their business has grown to now employ over a dozen employees which helps them meet the growing demands of a successful local business.

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.