First time buyer in OP

In today’s podcast, we talk about how to run an effective open house. You definitely need an open house sign in sheet, and you should follow an open house checklist to maintain consistent quality. 

We also provide tips and tricks for first time home buyers in Overland Park ks, as well as discussing open houses and HOAs. We also get into the experience from the real estate agent perspective. If so, you may be wondering where to start. This podcast episode will help guide you through the process of buying your first home. We'll provide some tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible. So whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current property make sure listen! You will also hear a discussion about open houses and HOAs.

Buying a home for the first time can be as exciting as it is confusing. On our recent podcast episode, I sat down with Joe Stevenson (REALTOR®) to discuss the ins and outs of first-time home buying in Overland Park, Kansas.

As always, he provides his helpful advice, real-world insights, and even a few laughs along the way. Here's a recap of the major takeaways, sprinkled with Joe’s expertise and genuine passion for helping buyers achieve their dreams.

 

Johnson County Home Value Growth Over 10 Years

 

Today's Free Resource for Real estate Agents

Free Home Buying Spreadsheet

 

Know the Mindset of First-Time Buyers

According to Joe, many first-time home buyers are motivated by a desire to stop renting and start building equity in their own property. While a significant percentage of buyers are young professionals, often college graduates, Joe emphasizes that homeownership isn’t limited by education. The key ingredients? Financial stability, steady income, and savings.

Joe also notes that first-time buyers often come into the process with a mix of excitement and nerves. That’s completely normal, and Joe’s role is to help guide them with clarity and empathy.

The All-Important First Step

Before falling in love with your dream home, Joe strongly advises meeting with a lender first. This essential step includes assessing your financial picture, focusing on critical factors like your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and proof of income over the past two years. Pre-approval will help set your budget and allow you to focus on homes you’re realistically able to purchase.

Joe knows how exciting it is to begin the search, but he reminds buyers that patience and financial preparedness will make the process smoother in the long run.

Challenges in Today’s Market

The housing market in Overland Park is hot right now. With high prices and limited inventory, buyers need to be ready to act fast and get competitive, often bidding above the asking price.

(Please note, this episode was recorded in 2022)

Joe emphasizes the importance of being strategic. For example, if your budget is $225,000, you may need to focus on homes listed closer to $175,000 to leave room for bidding wars. Buyers should also understand that the process might take a bit longer, as it’s common to make offers on multiple homes before successfully landing one.

Joe’s calming advice? Stay optimistic, patient, and persistent. The right home is out there—you just might need to jump a few hurdles to get there.

 

 

Personalized Guidance Through the Buyer Consultation

One of Joe’s favorite parts of the process is the buyer consultation, where he gets to deeply understand a client’s individual needs. This step is all about listening. Whether it’s the number of bedrooms, proximity to work or schools, preferred neighborhoods, or even avoiding certain features like a corner lot, every detail helps Joe shape a tailored home search experience.

Joe also leverages tools like the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to provide buyers with a competitive edge by surfacing homes that may not yet appear on public platforms like Zillow.

Open Houses and Appraisal Insights

Open houses aren’t always the secret to success in a seller’s market, but they can still play a small role in the search. Joe explains that open houses offer additional exposure for both buyers and sellers, and for agents, it’s also an excellent networking opportunity.

When it comes to appraisals, Joe shares this important tip for first-time buyers navigating tight competition - be open about your contingencies and understand what happens if a home doesn’t appraise for the sale price. Things like considering renegotiations and being prepared to walk away are all possible outcomes, so clarity is key.

Buying Condos and HOA Considerations

For buyers considering condos or homes in maintenance-provided communities, Joe offers a heads-up about Homeowners’ Association (HOA) fees. These fees often cover amenities like lawn care, pools, and insurance, but they can be pricey. Always check HOA reserves and ask about upcoming special assessments to avoid surprise costs for major repairs.

Joe shares a helpful story about a friend who avoided purchasing a condo due to an anticipated $15,000 repair bill, a perfect example of why due diligence is so important.

 

Joe’s Guiding Philosophy

One of the standout moments from the episode is Joe’s simple yet powerful advice for making an offer in a challenging market:

“Write an offer where you’re going to be able to sleep at night if you don’t get the house, and you’re going to be able to sleep at night if you do get the house.”

This wise approach helps buyers strike a healthy balance between ambition and financial reality.

We Had a Few Laughs Along the Way

Of course, the podcast isn’t all business. We shared some light-hearted anecdotes, including a funny take on Sonic drink combinations, a memorable (and unrealistic) portrayal of open house timing from Better Call Saul, and musings about HOA quirks like backyard chicken coops and RV parking.

Check Back for Updates

First-time home buying in Overland Park can be as exciting as it is challenging, but with the right preparation, strategy, and guidance, it’s entirely achievable. Joe Stevenson’s wealth of experience shines throughout this conversation, offering practical tips to help buyers at every stage of the process.

If you’re ready to take the leap, tune in to the full episode of the Kansas City Real Estate Podcast for even more advice, laughs, and actionable insights. For personal guidance on buying or selling, don’t hesitate to reach out to Joe Stevenson—your trusted partner in Overland Park real estate.

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