You have decided 2016 is your year to find a new place to call home!
Congratulation's you must be excited!
Here are the Five things you must do before going out to preview homes in person.
1. Pick a lender to work . Find your lender by asking for referrals from friends or local REALTOR This person should be local if possible so if face to face is needed you are not far away.
2. You must get Pre-Approved not Pre-Qualified
What's the difference you may ask? Pre-Approval means a lender has pulled your credit and
determined your ability to purchase. Pre-Qualification simply based on the numbers you gave the loan officer or on line program you may qualify.Anything less than a Pre-Approval is like going shopping without your wallet.
3. Next Pick a REALTOR to work with you may want to interview a few or at the very lease
get a referral to one in the area you will be concentrating your search in. Not all REALTORS are
the same so do you homework on this and make sure they are capable of handling the type
of transaction you intent to initiate. This is vital since step to make sure you get along with the
agen and feel they have a handle on what it is you are trying to achieve. If you are selling and buying this is not as easy as it sounds. Make sure the agent has the experience you need. Are you buying newconstruction? Make sure the agent you take with you understands new construction
you want them to have plenty of new home experience to guide you through to closing.
4. You must sign a Buyer Agency Form-
This is the law in Virginia since July 2012. This 
form is negotiable and can be canceled but must be in force to look at homes with an agent.
Before an agent can discuss a specific property
they must explain agency and who represents
who.This is for you the consumers protection.
The agreement is set up to make sure you the consumer understand that if you do not sign the form then the agent is working for seller. Ask
yourself is that what you really want?
If you are not sure you want to work with that agent long term sign for a one house showing or
limit the time frame the agreement is good for. Some agents will charge a fee others will not it is
up for negotiations.
5. A Word About Open Houses and Model Home Visits
If you are looking at OPEN HOUSES the agent at the home represents the seller will have you sign in. If you without an agent and have no buyer agency agreement with another agent you will be considered an unrepresented buyer. If you have specific buying questions about the property you can sign an unrepresented buyer form. Now you know why agents are always asking it not that they are pestering you it is the law. Feel free to walk through the Open House. Just sign in and enjoy your visit if you do not have an agent and like the agent you meet ask to speak with the after the open.
Model Home Visits - a word of caution if you are visiting a New Home community. Beware if you sign a guest registration you are giving up your right to representation for a minimum of 60 days up to 180 days! Did you know that? Most consumers do not and are surprised when they find out.
Ask your self do I know enough about the area, community, resales and future development to make
an informed decision if you fall in love with one of the decorated models? It happens all the time and
before you know it you are signing a lot hold or setting up a contract appointment without doing your due dilligence. ( I know because I was an on site sales representive for four large builders here
in Northern Virginia) The on site agents work for the builder they are not under the same agency rules as Licensed REALTORS. They are their to facilitate a sale for the builder. The builder loves when a buyer buys without a REALTOR it is more profit for them. They do not pass the savings on to you because they do no want to undermine the prices in the community. This is good for you the buyer because it means you can have a REALTOR represent you art no cost and be your advocate over the next five or six months of build time. And believe me you will need a sounding board when you are feeling stressed and the builders office is closed or it is a holiday etc. Remember it costs you nothing to have representation so why would you risk buying without it?
Happy House hunting and If you need ot want help I am just a phone call away. I work with buyers
in every price point in Northern Virginia. Call me at 703-801-9367 and Let's Talk about your situation
and see if I am the right agent for you.
You can also visit my web site TwinsSellingRealEstate.com or measage me on Facebook
We are just a phone call away
703-801-9367 Contact me now
Search for available homes in Woodbridge Virgina now
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment