Answer to Question 1. How do I start the home buying process? Who do I talk to first? When?
I have come up with some important questions to use or ask when interviewing a REALTOR®. And I have mentioned that I am going to answer everyone of them, in blog format, because I have a lot to say about most of them. So check in regularly for the answers!
Question 1. How do I start the home buying process? Who do I talk to first? When?
Excellent question!
You really should be talking to a REALTOR® first, a few a different REALTORs® is even better. And then the next step is to get pre-qualified. Your REALTOR® should be able to recommend someone and be able to answer your questions about mortgage broker vs bank. Most people head the bank for a mortgage, but that is not always the best idea, more about that later.
The process of interviewing a REALTOR®, is for you to decide if this is the person you want to hire to represent you. It’s true that not every client can work with every REALTOR® and vise versa. I get that, I understand that. I want to make sure we are on the same page, and that we will be able to work together, that our expectations are discussed, are realistic, and that a good partnership can be formed.
I will always meet any potential buyers for a “meet and greet” or a “Buyers Counseling Session”. This meeting is done usually in your home, a place where confidential issues can be discussed, it is comfortable, and we can truly have an engaging discussion. Coffee shops, (where a lot of deals are done), are not confidential and therefore are not looking after your best interests.
The Buyers Counseling Session usually takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. I will ask questions, inform and educate you on the home buying process, discuss agency relationships, my experience – past and present, how I do my business, the steps involved in purchasing, your needs assessment, purchasing concerns, commissions, financing, shopping for a home, the offer process, terms and conditions, inspections, expectations, and the contracts.
When is the best time to interview a REALTOR® and start the discussions? As soon as you are thinking about doing something... whether you are buying, selling, investing, or thinking about building a new home. It is best to talk a REALTOR® first. More about building a new home later...
What I am finding is that no one seems to be sitting down to inform and educate the buyers on how the process works. Too many times I have talked to leads/clients and they tell me that the process was never explained to them, and/or they don’t even like their REALTOR®. (Which is why I am then there talking to them, because they are not happy with the things are going.) Some people feel pressure or feel that their REALTOR® is pushy and rushing them… not me. And once you meet with me, you will be able to see that.
So, the first step, Call a REALTOR® or a few and ask to meet with them, interview them in person. Ask them for a meeting first. Will they do it, are they even prepared for a meeting first, or will they try to push that aside, aiming to just get you in their car.
If you are interested in taking the next step with me, I welcome your questions and calls. Let’s set up a “meet and greet” and I can help you reach your real estate dreams.
Tania King
rescalgary@gmail.com
Cell: 403-813-4448
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