Jumbo vs. Conforming Loans How do you get a $560k house for the cost of a $525k house? No, it has nothing to do with negotiation, bargain hunting, or otherwise outmaneuvering home sellers. Rather, it’s strictly a financing play. Namely, by moving up just a little in price, Buyers today can avail themselves of cheaper jumbo loans (over $417k),...Read More
Buyer Strategy in a Seller’s Market “Never negotiate hungry. Or tired.” –Ross Kaplan, “Negotiating Advice” (12/7/2010) As I’ve discussed on this blog previously, the “How” of negotiating can be much less important than the “When” or “Where.” As in, “when to stop negotiating (and take a break),” and “never negotiate while driving” (you can’t take...Read More
Flying (& Mountain Climbing) Metaphors Pilots in turbulent weather will frequently announce to their passengers that they’re “climbing to 40,000 feet” or “descending to 30,000 feet” in search of a smoother ride. As a Buyer’s agent, I will point out to clients if moving up (or down) a rung in price makes sense (cents?). That...Read More