Don't
depend on luck to find your new
home - enlist the services of a
real estate representative; one
who specializes in the sort of
property you would like to buy.
Choose a REALTOR you feel
confident can turn your dreams
into reality. Once you have,
here's what to expect. . .
The Voice of Experience
A REALTOR will not take it
for granted that you know all
the in's and out's of the
buying/selling process. Instead,
he or she will provide you with
a full explanation of what to
expect - and that's important so
you're not faced with any
surprises along the way.
Assessing Your Needs
One of the first questions a
REALTOR is, Why are you moving?"
A REALTOR will also explore any
time constraints you might have
(perhaps imposed by the need to
relocate for employment), your
financial situation and any
future plans.
A
REALTOR will also help you
decide where you want to live
and what type of house is best
for you. There are plenty of
housing options available in the
marketplace - new homes, resale
homes, townhouses, condominiums.
A REALTOR can help you choose
the one that best suits your
current and projected lifestyle.
It's all part of getting to know
you so your purchase will be
handled to your complete
satisfaction.
Targeting Your Dream Home
A REALTOR will help you
identify what you want in your
new residence. A pool? A Garage?
An extra room? A particular
building design? What about the
neighborhood? Proximity to
schools or work?
A
REALTOR will compare your needs,
wants and budget with what is
available on the market - and
make recommendations that save
you time and effort.
He
or she will also accompany you
as you view houses and help you
assess their suitability and
price. As an expert on a
property, a REALTOR can provide
facts on the neighborhood, the
cost of heating, the condition
of the furnace, and so on.
Access to MLS
Multiple Listing Service or
MLS is an exclusive service
accessible only through a
REALTOR - and it can be a
valuable tool. Through MLS, the
details of a wide variety of
listed properties are made
available to the REALTOR you
work with. That can save you a
tremendous amount of time and
effort in your hunt for the
right home.
Arranging Financing
REALTORS have broad and
current knowledge of the
financing choices available to
home buyers - and there are many
of them, an often confusing
array. At your request, a
REALTOR will assist in
evaluating mortgage options and
obtaining financing at the most
attractive prevailing rates and
terms.
A Skillful Negotiator
REALTORS are experienced in
arranging fair deals. He or she
will assist in negotiating an
offer, acting as a mediator to
head off potential conflicts
between you and the seller, and
draw up a legally binding
contract.
Who Pays?
Usually, the REALTOR will be
paid from the proceeds of the
sale. The listing agreement
states the REALTOR's fee.
Buying a home can be an
exasperating and time-consuming
experience. But not if you
enlist the services of a
REALTOR. A real estate
professional understands the
market, knows exactly what is
available and can match your
needs and budget to your new
home efficiently and
effectively.