Many home buyers are often confused when it comes time to purchase a home. "How can I find the best deal?" How do I find a GOOD real estate agent?" "How do I know if I can TRUST my real estate agent?" "Where do I begin?" "Should I buy a For Sale By Owner?" So many questions; here are some of the answers:
When you are ready to buy a home, find an online home listing service that will automatically email you listings that meet your homebuying needs.
These email-listing services are an excellent way to receive new listings before all other buyers in your area. You are only emailed homes that match your criteria. But be careful which listing service you use, as your name may be sold to more than one real estate agent in the area.
If you haven't signed an agreement with an agent to buy your home and/or sell your current home, you need to know whom you can trust.
Look within your community, browse online, ask your neighbor if they know of a good agent. Do you consistently receive marketing from a local agent? Was your last agent trustworthy? If so, give him/her a call.
Don't just speak to one agent, interview 2 or 3. When interviewing, make sure you clearly understand their marketing strategy to sell your home. Ask them if they prepare a market analysis on the home you want to buy to make certain you don't pay too much. Ask them to explain their strategy to find you the best deal.
Ok, so you have found a "for sale by owner" home that you are interested in buying. Do you move forward, or do you hire a real estate agent? Neither! Hire a Realtor.
Not all real estate agents are Realtors. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics or lose their license.
A "for sale by owner" who is not being represented by a Realtor has absolutely no obligation to disclose any defects to you, the buyer!
However, when represented by a Realtor, the homeowner is REQUIRED to provide any and all defects, existing problems, repaired problems, etc. Don't lose your deposit to a dishonest home seller!
One final note. Make sure your Realtor is working FOR YOU. If the Realtor "talks the talk" but doesn't "walk the walk"; don't hire him/her. Ask for references, ask how long they have been in the real estate industry, what are their negotiating skills?
Ask them the golden question: "Why should I do business with you instead of another real estate agent?" If they CAN'T answer that question, they are not worthy of your business!
