Before you decide on your next home purchase, it is important to evaluate what you can expect from the Real Estate Professional that you select to represent you. You will need to understand that, while there are plenty of us out there to assist you, not all Real Estate Agents offer or deliver the same services. Many agents represent buyers exclusively while others choose to act only as Listing Agents.
Here is a checklist of activities and services to look for when working with your Real Estate Professional:
They can provide you with several qualified home mortgage consultants from which to choose so that you will get the best loan product to meet your family's needs. This is actually the first step you should take before embarking on any house hunting trip. Your mortgage consultant will have you pre-approved for your purchase. The prospective home seller will want to know that this has been done before they will entertain your offer. This will also greatly improve your negotiating position and enable you to achieve your home-buying objectives faster and with less stress.
Providing client level services, they can work for you as a Buyer's Agent and help negotiate the best price and terms for you. Since time is of the essence in real estate, they will help facilitate execution of terms of your contract in a timely and orderly fashion.
They will help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and other personal preferences.
They have access to a listing of all available homes in the MLS, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and will not waste your time showing you unsuitable homes. Be sure that your agent provides you with a current market analysis of previously sold homes so that you can determine a good offer price and what, if any, seller's concessions (i.e., closing costs, etc.) have typically been paid in a particular neighborhood.
They can often suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.
They can supply information on real estate taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.
They can help familiarize you with the home purchase process and explain the normal steps so that you will understand your rights as a home buyer. This will help you develop a set of expectations so that any surprises can be dealt with more effectively. They will also explain the closing process and will be able to obtain closing figures in advance of closing for your review. They can provide you with a list of qualified home inspectors, pest inspectors, appraisers, etc. and help to coordinate inspection appointments.
The more you know about the real estate process, the more you'll expect from your Realtor and the more enjoyable your home buying experience will be.
Comments(0)