Buying a Santa Fe Home – Be Smart About It | Blog

If your New Year resolves to own a home in Santa Fe, here are a few quick tips for making the most of your experience. I’m here to help, but sometimes buyers get so excited about how a place looks and feels that they forget these details:

1. Don’t assume every fixture you see is included. I just did a deal where the buyers fell in LOVE with a Spanish-style chandelier over the dining room table. They hardly noticed the other homes we looked at because they were so crazy about the first one. When we did our research and I contacted the listing broker, that was the one item that wasn’t staying.

The MLS info usually tells me what conveys with the property and what doesn’t. But smart buyers know that they need to focus on the structure and not the extras. The extras might be just that – extras that don’t come with the purchase price.

If something is really important to you, add it to the purchase agreement as a must-have. Sometimes Sellers will change their minds about special items if the price is right. Accessories that seemed important on the listing date may lose their appeal when they see actual dollar signs.

2. Talk to your broker about radon testing. I know a few of my colleagues would take me to task for even talking about this issue, but I always err on the side of disclosure. Santa Fe County has had a number of instances where radon was detected in homes, particularly on the city’s east side.

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless odorless gas that has been known to cause cancer. It occurs as a natural reaction to the breakdown of uranium deposits.

A radon test runs around $400 and should be part of your inspection process. In general, the results will be negative, or so low that it’s not a concern. However, we always want you to finish your transaction feeling confident about the home you end up purchasing.

3. In a bidding war? Make your best and highest offer. Great homes in Santa Fe still present a competitive environment where you want to think about getting the home you love more than getting a bargain.

4. Visit with the neighbors. First of all, you want to know if your neighbors are friendly, or if not, at least approachable. And more importantly, they may know things about the house that aren’t disclosed by the seller or the seller’s broker. This kind of information can only make the offer process easier for you.

5. Be flexible. If there’s debris in the backyard, offer to remove it. If there’s something just a bit odd about the property, but you still want it, let that go. You can save thousands and still end up in the home you love in the end.

How can you be the smartest buyer? Hire me to be your buyer’s broker!

Santa Fe Experts

We are committed to making each transaction the least complicated and easiest one you’ve ever been involved in. In old school speak, we bring our best professionalism to each and every transaction. We maintain a strong work ethic and believe that the client/broker relationship is a partnership built on honesty, trust, confidentiality and mutual respect. Let’s get started on this journey to fulfill your Santa Fe Real Estate dream!