Buying a home is not a solo act! It is a complex process so it is critical to build a team of professionals that you can call on throughout your home owner experience. As you begin to look at homes, you will realize there are many real estate professionals you will come to rely on in addition to your realtor and builder - if you are looking a new development like Highfield Commons in Rochester.
Whether you are buying your first home or you have bought several, usually buying a home is not a one-time event. Life as a homeowner will be quite different and you will find out quickly, you can’t do it alone. You will be calling people on this list of resources if you decide to refinance when mortgage rates lower, remodel a kitchen or add another bathroom as your family grows.
While it’s true (and of course I’m biased) your #1 partner when buying a home is your realtor, there are many other home professionals needed to complete the home buying process. In case you’re a first time homeowner, let me review the key home professionals you’re going to need to complete your home buying team.
Work with a Realtor When Buying a Home
A Broker/Realtor will be the person who represents your interests during the transaction. 
Experienced real estate agents know the lay of the land, the path you need to walk and the legal issues that may arise. Find a broker/realtor that you can work with and trust for the long-term. This is not a relationship that will end at the closing. This is someone you want on your real estate team going forward – because you will rely on this person for years to come – if they are worth their weight in gold.
Financing Your Home with a Mortgage Broker
Speaking with a lender in advance and getting pre-qualified is critical so you know what you can afford. The last thing you want to do is walk into an Open House, fall in love with it – only to find out you cannot get a loan. Start with an experienced lender and collect all the financial documents you will need in order for them to do a thorough job. Don’t buy any large assets to incur more debt before your closing and don’t HIDE something that you think won’t rear its ugly head.
Home Inspectors Lower Your Home Buying Risk
A home inspector is a home buyers best friend. They’re professionals with the experience to go through each system and feature of your home, identifying what is normal wear and tear versus a problem that needs immediate attention. You’ll also benefit when buying a home, by learning when you’re going to have to replace key home systems like a furnace in 3 to 5 years. This gives you the time to budget for this fairly large, future expense. Home inspectors can also help you prepare your home for sale, or if you’ve neglected maintenance for a number of years, they can help you prioritize what needs to be done to get your home back in tip top shape.
Every Homeowner Needs a Handyman
This is a person who can be available to answer questions that may come up from the Home Inspector. This person is someone who will be on your team for years to come to answer any questions with your home as you consider remodeling and adding features.
Your Home Owner Insurance Agent Could Save the Sale
Shop around in advance and have your home insurance lined up. Find out if you need any special insurance (flood, earthquake, etc.) that may be required based on the location of the house. Consider an agent that will not just give you the best deal, but one that will be there when and if you need to make a claim. A good insurance agent with ask you when buying your home if you have a trampoline, if there’s a pool or even if you have a specific breed of dog. As a new home buyer, you wouldn’t think these things could prevent the sale from going through, but they can and do.
Buying a home should be exciting and fun! 
And it will be if you know in advance that you can’t do it alone! I'm up at Highland Commons on many Saturdays if you would like to talk with me and get to know me a bit better. I have a model that I can show you, floor plans we can discuss and if you are in Rochester checking out another event stop by to visit. The neighborhood is located right past Kohl's and Lowes in Rochester heading West on Washington Street. Come by and take a look at this great new neighborhood in Rochester.
If you have visited Highfield Commons, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think of the neighborhood. I am curious to know what you think of the area and the views and what the development has to offer to someone buying a home here.
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