Working with a Realtor to purchase a home is in your best interest if you provide them with honest and timely information. The services they provide are actually free to the buyer (unless you have a contract signed with a Buyers Agent) as the sellers pay the real estate broker sales fees.
Purchasing a home can be a very short or long process, depending on the type of home you are looking for. You can use the internet services or newspapers, but sometimes they are a bit behind and you could lose out on a great opportunity that just pops up and sells rapidly.
Sometimes we think we know what we want and are not open to seeing all that is available, as a Realtor®, I will share with you a few pointers to help you in your home search.
- Step One
- If you are unfamiliar with an area meet with a Local Realtor® to give you the feel of the location. Ask the Realtor® for personal references, you need to have some level of trust in their work ethic.
- Obtain a map and discuss what is important to you
- If you have internet capabilities have them send you information
- Or print out a few examples for you to drive by
- Or suggest they show you around (in your car or theirs)
- If you see a FSBO, tell your agent, most likely they will be able to show you the home and represent you for contract negotiations. Many homeowners do not know the processes to selling their homes and are willing to pay a brokerage fee. If not, I still suggest you work with your agent even if you need to pay a small fee, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local terrain.
- If you are unfamiliar with an area meet with a Local Realtor® to give you the feel of the location. Ask the Realtor® for personal references, you need to have some level of trust in their work ethic.
- Step Two
- Once you think you know what area looks good for you:
- Meet with the Realtor® (by phone, internet or in person) to discuss your wants, desires and budget.
- Allow the agent to gather information and homes that meet your criteria and plan a viewing day.
- Look at properties at least 10% above your desired price range (to at least give you an idea of the market place) some sellers believe in (leaving a little room) so they can negotiate. Your Realtor® will produce a comparable market analysis before you make an offer, so don’t worry about making the offer. First, we need to find you a home you like.
- Once you think you know what area looks good for you:
- Step Three
- As you view the homes, be honest with the agent so they can (get the feel) for what appeals to you.
- Don’t be in a hurry (unless it is a steal)
- Take Notes
- Bring a Camera
- Check out the neighborhood
- Sometimes we may need to schedule another series of homes to view or you may find that the area or price range you thought would work…doesn’t. You may also decide something you thought was important isn’t anymore.
- Don’t become discouraged, this is a huge investment, take your time in finding your perfect home.
- As you view the homes, be honest with the agent so they can (get the feel) for what appeals to you.
- Step Four
- Communicate with your Realtor®
- Tell the agent what you might be thinking (we have trouble reading minds) and may have the perfect home for you, if you share with us what is on your mind.
- Don’t think your wasting the agents time, if you are serious about buying, the agent will work with you. Sometimes it can take weeks or months before the correct home hits you.
- If you know this area is NOT for you, tell your agent, they will be grateful for your honesty.
- Communicate with your Realtor®
- Step Five
- Judging a home from the outside could be a costly mistake. Remember the old saying “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover”?
- Choosing a neighborhood is important (if you don’t like the neighborhood tell us) but landscaping can change and a beautiful home could have a horrible floor plan. I am a Realtor®, but I am also a consumer and homeowner, sometimes we don’t know what we like until we see it. Every home has good points and bad points, just keep an open mind, until you see it from inside and out…you may be surprised!!
- Judging a home from the outside could be a costly mistake. Remember the old saying “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover”?
I hope this was helpful, most likely you have not worked with a Realtor® often, but we are NOT salespeople (per say) we are trained and licensed in the laws of real estate, know the local customs and land uses and can possibly save you from making a bad purchasing decision. We know the lenders, inspectors and title companies so we can help guide you through the home buying maze.
I have never SOLD anything, I have only guided those that wish to purchase or sell!! “Let me be YOUR Guide” Debbie G. (Galinovsky) Century 21 Sunbelt #1 Realty, Inc.239-770-6509 (Direct) 888-969-1100 ext 5608 (Toll Free)