HOME BUYER'S GUIDE

( Working With An Agent )

The Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent can significantly impact the home-buying process, and not for the reasons you might expect.

Locate the Ideal Residence

First and foremost, your agent will assist you in locating the ideal residence. Agents have access to the MLS database, which means they can see what properties are available, what features they have, and how much they're asking. While real estate listing sites often offer this information and might be a useful place to start, they aren't necessarily accurate or up to date.

Agents have also seen enough properties to know which ones are prone to costly issues. Your agent should be able to advise you on what to look for and avoid, which is particularly crucial if you're a first-time homebuyer.

Decide on a good location.

It's not only about knowing which houses are for sale when it comes to finding the right home. A real estate professional can assist you in determining the best location for you. An expert agent will assist you in locating the best school districts, amenities, and resale prices – or whatever criteria are important to you.

Organize your paperwork

Do you know how to put together a purchase contract? Fortunately, you don't have to be concerned about this. Your agent will draw out the purchase agreement, and all you have to do is read it and sign it. There's much paperwork to deal with when it comes to buying a property, and your agent is there to help you with it.

Make Social connections

Once you've accepted an offer, the buying process can be a frenzy. Over approximately a month, you'll have a lot on your plate, including getting an inspection, scheduling movers, looking for insurance, purchasing a house warranty, and arranging for any repairs — and that's before you ever think about getting a mortgage.

Your real estate agent, fortunately, has seen it all before. They know which inspectors are trustworthy, which movers are reliable, which insurance companies would overcharge you, and which home warranties cover everything. For many of his clients, Black even arranges for a home inspection. "The only thing they do on their own is to contact the insurance company," he explained.

  • Agents have also seen enough properties to know which ones are prone to costly issues. Your agent should be able to advise you on what to look for and avoid, which is particularly crucial if you're a first-time homebuyer.
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How to Find a Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

It's critical to select a reputable agent if you want to have a successful and stress-free home purchasing experience.

Starting with referrals is a fantastic idea. Do you have relatives or friends who have recently purchased a home in your neighborhood? Is it possible to get a referral from your lender? 

There are a few ways to know you've got the correct individual on your side once you've acquired a name or two.

"You certainly want a REALTOR over a conventional real estate agent," Black says. REALTORS® are real estate agents who are members of the National Association of REALTORS, which means a strict code of conduct binds them.

According to Black, you should also look for a real estate agent who carries a real estate broker license. This could signify that they've gone above and above in their studies.

Finding an agent who appreciates you is more crucial than all of this. "You have many agents who don't have any designations but possess all of the qualities of a good agent."

You want the agent to be trustworthy, loyal, and full of respect for the client," said Black.

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What to Expect Once You've Found Your Real Estate Agent

Each agent is different, but here's a general picture of what you can expect once you've kicked the house hunting process into motion:

  1. You'll talk about what you're looking for for a while. Your agency will require your approval letter. Prepare to discuss your budget, desired location, and home specifications.

  2. You'll have the opportunity to look over several listings. Your agent will send you lists of properties that you might like. After that, you can tell your agent which ones you'd want to see.

  3. Your agent will schedule showings. In most circumstances, your agent will act quickly to ensure that you don't lose out on a desirable property. That's why, especially if you're in a competitive market, keeping an open schedule while house looking is beneficial.

  4. Until you're ready to make an offer, you'll go to showings together. Your agency will then prepare an offer letter for you, and cross their fingers!

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