Embarking on the journey to buy your first home can feel like navigating an epic adventure, reminiscent of the trials faced by heroes in Homer’s classics. In this video, we’ll explore seven timeless principles from Homer’s epics that can guide you through the complexities of purchasing your first home and make your home-buying journey smoother and more successful.
🕰️ Patience and Persistence: Just as Odysseus demonstrated patience and persistence on his journey home, buyers should remain patient and persistent throughout the home-buying process. This approach helps in making well-considered decisions and ultimately finding the right home.
🗺️ Strategic Planning: Like the Greeks’ clever use of the Trojan Horse, buyers should carefully plan their budget, secure financing, and clearly define their home preferences. Effective planning prevents costly mistakes and streamlines the buying process.
🤝 The Value of Trusted Allies: Odysseus relied on trusted allies such as Athena. Similarly, having a knowledgeable real estate agent, mortgage advisor, and attorney provides crucial support and guidance throughout the home-buying journey.
💪 Resilience: Odysseus’s resilience in facing numerous trials serves as a reminder to stay resilient during the home-buying process. Challenges and setbacks can be overcome, and what seems like a setback may lead to better outcomes.
📚 Knowledge is Power: Athena’s wisdom guided Odysseus, and in the same way, educating yourself about the market and the home-buying process empowers you to make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively.
🔄 Adaptability: Odysseus’s ability to adapt to different situations was key to his success. Buyers should be flexible and open to exploring various options and making adjustments in their search to find the best fit.
🌟 Trusting Your Instincts: Odysseus often relied on his intuition to guide him. Trusting your instincts when evaluating properties and making decisions ensures the home feels right and meets your needs.
By applying these timeless principles, you can approach your home-buying journey with confidence and wisdom, just as heroes navigated their epic adventures. If you have questions or need guidance, comment below or reach out directly.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
📲 Text/Call: 708.674.6725
📩 Email: eric@eandersenhomes.com
🌎 https://www.ericandersenhomes.com
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
📲 Text/Call: 708.674.6725
📩 Email: eric@eandersenhomes.com
🌎 https://www.ericandersenhomes.com
Did you enjoy this video or find it helpful? If so, be sure to 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄, 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄, & 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄 to my YouTube Channel.
Want to know what your home is worth?
https://www.ericandersenhomes.com/go/home-value/
Looking for homes for sale? Search the entire MLS on my website: https://www.ericandersenhomes.com/homes-for-sale/
Or, better yet, contact me directly for help with buying or selling a home: https://www.ericandersenhomes.com/contact/
Read my reviews:
Google: https://www.bit.ly/andersenrealtygroupgooglereviews
Zillow: https://bit.ly/andersenrealtygroupzillow
I have a number of awards and designations, including:
⭐️ Gold, Diamond, & Platinum Sales Award (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ 20 under 40 (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Endorsed Local Provider (RamseyTrusted)
⭐️ Best of Zillow
⭐️ Pricing Strategy Advisor (National Association of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Certified Staging Consultant (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
Transcript:
If you’re in the market to buy your first home, I couldn’t blame you if you felt like a character out of Homer’s epics, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.” I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, and in this video, we’re drawing timeless wisdom from Homer’s classics to guide you through the journey of buying your first home. These ancient stories are filled with valuable lessons that can help you navigate today’s real estate market. So let’s set off on this journey together and consider seven timeless principles from Homer’s epics for buying your first home.
Principle 1: Patience and Persistence
One of the key lessons from Odysseus’s long journey home in “The Odyssey” is the importance of patience and persistence. Odysseus spent ten long, arduous years trying to get back home to Ithaca. Along the way, he faced numerous obstacles, including battles with mythical creatures and the wrath of gods. Despite countless setbacks, Odysseus’ unwavering determination kept him focused on his goal, and eventually, he made it home. In like manner, buying a home today can be a time-consuming and challenging process, but staying patient and persistent will pay off in the end. Don’t rush your decisions. Take the time to do your research, visit multiple properties, and consider all your options. Persistence will help you find the perfect home. I recently visited a home with some first-time buyer clients, and they were really torn about making an offer. It offered a lot of value for the price. It had a really nice, 2-story family room with several large windows, and it was in exceptional condition. We even went back to see it for a second time. The thing that made them apprehensive was the limited closet space, and that’s not something you can change later unless you want to reduce room sizes. Ultimately, they decided to pass, which I think was the right call, and I commend them for going back for a second look before making a snap decision. A recent study by Redfin showed nearly 15% of all contracts were cancelled nationwide in June, largely due to buyers feeling pressure to make snap decisions in a competitive market. And when they do, they sometimes regret it and decide to cancel. My buyers could have settled for a home that was a great value for the price, but they really want something a little bigger. Even though they’re looking for a starter home, they would have felt like they’d outgrown it by the time they’d moved in. They haven’t found the perfect home yet, but I’m confident their patience and maturity will serve them well.
Principle 2: Strategic Planning
Homer’s epics describe the strategic thinking the Greeks used to win the war, which culminated in their use of the famous Trojan Horse. Their plan to hide soldiers inside the wooden beast and gain entry to Troy was a brilliant strategic move that ultimately led them to victory. Strategic planning is just as important when you’re buying a home. Plan your budget carefully, get a preapproval and discuss financing with a good lender, and have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a home. Know what your dealbreakers are and where you have flexibility. Sometimes, unprepared buyers rush into a contract only to cancel it after realizing it wasn’t a good fit, causing a type of whiplash. This can cost both time and money, not to mention the emotional toll it takes. Once you have a contract accepted, the contract will require you to remit earnest money. And while that goes toward your purchase and is protected by several of your contingencies, it can take some time to get your money back if you cancel. And if you cancel after the inspection, you won’t get a refund for that, as the service has already been provided. When I’m touring homes with buyers, I try to anticipate and point out potential issues so they have an idea of potential liabilities before they even make an offer. I’ve also seen buyers miss out on offer deadlines because they weren’t ready with their preapproval, and I’ve had others cancel once they took a closer look at the numbers and realized they didn’t want to end up house poor, which is exactly what have happened had they gone through with the purchase. Best to put some time and effort into planning upfront so you can avoid these troubles. A well thought out strategy will make your search more efficient and successful, just like the Greeks’ meticulous planning led to the fall of Troy.
Principle 3: The Value of Trusted Allies
We’ve talked about the importance of planning, and given the complexity of real estate transactions, it’s especially important to have trusted allies to help with the legal, financial, and practical aspects of buying a home. Without the support and counsel of allies, Odysseus’ journey would have ended in disaster. He often relied on the guidance and support of his crew and the gods, especially Athena, who provided wisdom and assistance at crucial moments. In your journey, having trusted allies like a knowledgeable real estate agent, a reliable mortgage advisor, a great attorney, and supportive friends and family makes a huge difference. Choose professionals who understand your needs and have your best interests at heart. I recently concluded an absolute nightmare of a transaction in which I represented the seller who was in a contract with an unrepresented buyer. Initially, my client was attracted by the fact that since there was no buyer agent, she would save on commission. But after months of extensions and the buyers’ inability to close, my seller finally waved the white flag and said enough is enough. She learned firsthand the importance of good, professional guidance for everyone involved in the sale of a home. The buyers lacked representation, and it cost everyone a lot of time, money, and unnecessary stress. As someone who has sold my own, personal homes and has also paid the buyer agent’s commission, I can say without reservation that that was some of the best money I’ve ever spent. Yes, they work for the buyer, but we’re all working toward the same goal, and their help is invaluable. Be sure to have a great agent, lender, attorney, and inspector when you’re purchasing a home. Their expertise and support will guide you through complex decisions, much like Athena guided Odysseus through his trials.
Principle 4: Resilience
Odysseus faced numerous trials and tribulations on his journey, but his resilience kept him going. Despite facing the Cyclops, the Sirens, and being shipwrecked multiple times, Odysseus’s resilience remained steadfast. The home-buying process can also present challenges, from financing issues to bidding wars. Stay resilient and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Learn from each challenge and keep moving forward. Sometimes, what initially looked like a setback can be a blessing in disguise. About a year ago, I was working with some buyers who found what they thought was their dream home. We wrote an amazing offer: twenty percent over asking price, full appraisal gap coverage, and they offered to purchase as-is. When they didn’t get the home, they were heartbroken. But they remained resilient, and their heartbreak turned to joy when they found another home they liked even more, which was more budget-friendly and in location they liked better. Their initial disappointment ultimately put them on a path to a better outcome. It may take time and patience, but every step brings you closer to your dream home, just as every trial brought Odysseus closer to Ithaca.
Principle 5: Knowledge is Power
Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was a source of constant guidance and knowledge to Odysseus. Her advice and wisdom were crucial in helping Odysseus navigate his trials and ultimately return home. In real estate, being well-informed is equally crucial. Educate yourself about the home-buying process, market trends, and the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Recently, I worked with buyers who faced the challenge of finding a new home on short notice when their landlord unexpectedly decided not to renew their lease. They initially felt unprepared for buying a home and were nervous about the process. But by working together, we were able to find a good home quickly and navigate the complexities of the purchase process smoothly. Educating my clients is a top priority for me, and Bethany specifically mentioned that aspect of my service in her review. She wrote, “We are forever indebted to Eric for his kindness, loyalty to his customers, and his incredible knowledge & expertise.” Another buyer whom I recently helped purchase his first home mentioned how my guidance was data and analytics driven, and we were able to use that knowledge to create a competitive, winning offer. Knowledge empowers you to make confident, informed decisions, much like Athena’s counsel empowered Odysseus to overcome his obstacles and find his way home.
Principle 6: Adaptability
Odysseus was known for his adaptability and resourcefulness. His ability to adapt to different situations and environments, like disguising himself to gain an advantage, showcased his versatility. When buying a home, being flexible and open to change can give you a significant advantage. Be open to exploring different neighborhoods, considering different types of properties, and adjusting your plans if needed. I bought a home that I absolutely loved back in 2020, but I never would have considered it had I insisted on limiting my search to homes with at least 4 bedrooms. Having a lot of bedrooms is a big deal for me since I have six kids. The home we bought initially only had three bedrooms, but it had plenty of space to add more, and that’s exactly what we did. Had we limited ourselves based on how the drywall was partitioned, we never would have found such a spacious and amazing house as the one we ended up buying. Flexibility can lead to unexpected opportunities, just as Odysseus’s adaptability helped him navigate the unpredictable challenges he faced.
Principle 7: Trusting Your Instincts
Throughout his journey, Odysseus often relied on his intuition to guide him. Intuition led him to make crucial decisions, such as when to reveal his identity and when to remain hidden. Trusting your instincts is equally important when buying a home. If a property feels right and meets your criteria, trust your gut. If something feels off, take a step back and reassess the situation. I remember one of the first clients I ever helped talked himself into loving a home we saw, but deep down, he it wasn’t right. We secured a contract on the property, and I woke up early the next morning so we could meet and talk about getting his home ready for market. But before I could get on 294, I got a call from my client who said he woke up in a cold sweat at 2am because he realized moving forward with that purchase was a mistake. He initially acted against his intuition, but fortunately, we were able to course correct quickly. The place he ended up buying lacked several features I thought were important to him, but the moment we walked in the door, he knew it was the one. He loved the vibe and location, and that was most important. Your instincts are a valuable guide, just as Odysseus’s intuition helped him navigate his way back to Ithaca.
Conclusion
By applying these timeless principles from Homer’s epics, you can navigate the home-buying process with confidence and wisdom. Every hero’s journey is unique, and yours is just beginning. If you have questions or could use guidance on your real estate journey, comment below or reach out to me directly. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to my channel, turn on notifications, and stay tuned for more epic real estate adventures. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage where we treat our clients like family.