Are you interested in purchasing a home?                                                                 

Not sure if you want to hire a Realtor?                                              

Not sure WHICH Realtor you would hire??

These are all questions that clients think about when considering buying home. 

If so, there is no reason not to hire a Realtor to represent your interests. The Realtor will be considered a "buyers agent" and will on your side.  Typically the seller will pay the commission for both Realtors (if there is more than one Realtor involved), so it makes sense to use this to your advantage.

The buyer's agent should obtain what your home criteria and break that down to "must have", "want to have", "do mind either way" categories.  From there, the agent should search properties (including builder homes) to find what fits in your criteria and budget.

At that point, the Realtor should share this information with you, the client, and then you would select which homes you are interested in seeing, based on the information provided. 

Once you have a home you want to purchase, the buyer's agent should do a market analysis to estimate what the house should sell for, based on current market statistics for similar homes in a similar neighborhood or area.  Once a purchase price is determined, the buyer's agent will prepare the contract and negotiate the price and terms on your behalf.

After that step is complete...the job is NOT over!!  Inspections, financing, and so many other details should be handled by the agent.  Since there are so many moving components, you want to make sure you are working with an agent who is very organized, so nothing is overlooked.  After all, this IS the largest purchase for most people.

The agent should be there for every step of the way, including attending your closing.  This ensures that if there are any last minute quirks, the agent is there to resolve it, on your behalf.

I also suggest asking for references when hiring a Realtor, either to help you purchase or sell a home.  This really shows the experience of past clients.

If you are looking for a home in the Tampa Bay Area (including Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk Counties), I would love to speak with you.  My references are on my website www.YourCastleYourHome.com or feel free to call me at 813.453.7883.  I make customer service my TOP priority!!

   Lori E. Hakeem