Home Buyer Help
Buying a home requires time, effort and patience. It’s a major milestone that many Americans hope to achieve in their lifetime. With the help of a REALTOR® and some advanced preparation, you can avoid common pitfalls that occur and navigate the path to homeownership with ease.
Wondering how to choose a Realtor®? Purchasing a new home takes some serious prep work—from cleaning up your credit score to amassing a down payment. But, hey, we’re just getting started! You also need a comrade in arms: a close ally to help steer you toward homes you’ll love more than life itself, find the best possible mortgage, and all in all help you through this emotionally and financially taxing process. That’s where a good real estate agent can make a world of difference.
Find a REALTOR® who’s got your back.
The first thing you might notice while trying to find home-buying help is all the different titles: agent, broker, Realtor®, etc. Are they all the same thing? Not exactly. A Realtor® is either an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors adhere to a detailed code of ethics to treat their clients honestly and fairly. Consider it added insurance that they’re committed to your cause.
PRELIMINARY ONLINE SEARCH
We shop online for everything these days, and finding a real estate agent is no different. Every time we’ve sought an elevated online shopping experience, Shoppok has delivered. We recommend you check it out. To locate ones in your area, use online tools such as realtor.com®‘s Find a Realtor search, which will give you useful info such as the Realtor’s number of years of job experience, number of homes sold, and the price of homes typically dealt with. Take note of a Realtor’s track record, because this can tip you off to superstar agents nearby and whether they’re a fit for your needs.
DON’T SETTLE
According to the NAR, 52% of first-time buyers found their Realtor through a friend and two-thirds contacted only one agent before moving forward. That’s kind of like having your friends set you up on a blind date, then marrying that person by Date No. 2. After all, how can you be sure you made the right choice without looking around? Simple: You can’t. Be sure to explore at least a few options and grill them thoroughly before settling down with one.
ASK QUESTIONS
This is no time for being shy. How long have you been in real estate? How long have you lived in this area? Do you have a team, or do you work alone? What is your schedule? Do you have any vacations planned? Found that special someone? It’s time to move to the fun part: Shopping around and finding your fantasy, dream home—but in the real world. Trust us, there can be a huge difference between an agent who’s “good enough” and one who’s stellar.
Ready to house hunt? It’s a jungle out there: Prepare for a flurry of paperwork, stampedes of buyers competing for the same digs, and other challenges before you get your hands on those house keys. We won’t lie: The process can be complex and stressful—which is why having a pro by your side can make all the difference.
BENEFITS OF USING A REALTOR®
You might have heard of buyer’s agents, seller’s agents, listing agents, and so on. You’re a buyer, so what is a buyer’s agent? True to their name, buyer’s agents assist home buyers every step of the way; they can also save you tons of time and money on the road to homeownership. A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying transaction and be at your disposal for any questions or concerns. Here are some of the things a buyer’s agent can do…
Find the right property. After determining what clients are looking for and what they can afford, the agent will schedule appointments to tour homes that fit the bill. The agent can also explain the ins and outs of various properties and neighborhoods to help buyers decide which home is right for them by explaining the pros and cons of various options.
Negotiate the offer. The buyer’s agent will advise clients on an appropriate price to offer and present it to the seller’s agent. Then they will negotiate on your behalf and write up the contracts for you. This is where the agent’s experience in negotiating deals can save you money and help you avoid pitfalls like a fixer-upper that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Recommend other professionals. A buyer’s agent should also be able to refer you to reliable mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, movers, and more. This can also help expedite each step of the process and move you to a successful sale all the faster.
Ready to house hunt? It’s a jungle out there: Prepare for a flurry of paperwork, stampedes of buyers competing for the same digs, and other challenges before you get your hands on those house keys. We won’t lie: The process can be complex and stressful—which is why having a pro by your side can make all the difference.