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. As YOUR REALTOR< here's what you can expect from me...
The Voice of Experience
I will not take it for granted that you know all the in's and out's of the buying/selling process. Instead, I 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 I as a REALTOR will ask is, "Why are you moving?" As a REALTOR, I 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.
To help you decide where you want to live, I would ask that you share with me what kind of lifestyle you are seeking and what type of home appeals to you, whether it be a condo at the beach or three acres inland. There are plenty of housing options available in the marketplace - new homes, resale homes, townhouses, condominiums. As a REALTOR, I 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
I 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?
As a REALTOR, I will compare your needs, wants and budget with what is available on the market - and make recommendations that save you time and effort.
I will also accompany you as you view houses and help you assess their suitability and price. I will 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. Not all REALTORS are members of the MLS. I AM a member of the MLS and am highly trained in target marketing exactly what my clients are looking for, saving you a tremendous amount of time and effort in your hunt for the right home.
Arranging Financing
I am a REALTOR yet I still have broad and current knowledge of the financing choices available to home buyers - and there are many of them, an often confusing array. Realtors who also play mortgage advisors to their clients disturb me. You can only be good at one thing is my theory and I recommend that every one of my potential buyers talk to a lender, or better yet, a mortgage consultant before we begin. Within a few minutes of qualifying, your mortgage consultant can provide me your price range and terms, critical information that I need to stay focused in the right marketplace while not missing out on any new properties that may come available or those that reduce in price. Knowing up front your purchasing power saves both of us valuable time, plus did you know that many Sellers today are asking upfront for potential Buyers to provide proof (Loan approvals) before they even allow them to preview their homes??? Some of this is due to the change of security in today's world and real estate agents not properly qualifying their clients (basically strangers if you will!) before taking them out and showing them property. What happens then is that the agreement falls thru due to the Buyer not being able to perform and the poor Seller has just tied up his home, losing out to other "real" buyers and wasted alot of time.
I know several mortgage counselors I and trust and can recommend should you not have a current relationship locally.
A Skillful Negotiator
As your REALTOR, I am experienced in arranging fair deals. I 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?
The listing agreement states the REALTOR's fee. Typically the seller pays my commission at settlement unless otherwise agreed to in writing .
Buying a home can be an exasperating and time-consuming experience. As a real estate professional, I understand the market, know exactly what is available and can match your needs and budget to your new home efficiently and effectively!
Feel free to call me or email me anytime - I hope this has answered some of your questions!