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Buying a home requires time, effort, and patience. It’s an accomplishment many Americans hope to achieve in their lifetime. With the help of a REALTOR® and some advanced preparation, you can avoid common pitfalls and navigate the path to homeownership with ease.
Find a REALTOR® who’s got your back.
The first thing you might notice while trying to find home-buying help is all the different titles: agent, broker, REALTOR®, etc. Are they all the same thing? Not exactly. A REALTOR® is either an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. They adhere to a detailed code of ethics that demands they treat their clients fairly and with integrity, and ensures they’re committed to their real estate objectives.
We shop online for everything these days, and finding a real estate agent is no different. To locate ones in your area, use online tools such as REALTOR.com’s Find a REALTOR® search tool. It provides useful info such as the REALTOR’s® number of years of job experience, number of homes sold, and the price of homes typically dealt with.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 52% of first-time buyers found their REALTOR® through a friend and two-thirds contacted only one agent before moving forward. Be sure to explore at least a few options and interview them thoroughly before making a decision.
This is no time for being shy. How long have you been in real estate? How long have you lived in this area? Do you have a team, or do you work alone? What is your schedule? Do you have any vacations planned? It’s time to move to the fun part: Shopping around and finding your fantasy, dream home—but in the real world. Trust us, there can be a huge difference between an agent who’s “good enough” and one who’s stellar.
You might have heard of buyer’s agents, seller’s agents, listing agents, and so on. You’re a buyer, so what is a buyer’s agent? True to their name, buyer’s agents assist home buyers every step of the way. They can also save you time and money on the road to homeownership. A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying transaction and be at your disposal for any questions or concerns just like a seller’s agent.
Here are some of the things a buyer’s agent can do to guide you:
After determining what clients are looking for and what they can afford, the agent will schedule appointments to tour homes that fit the bill. The agent can also explain the ins and outs of various properties and neighborhoods to help buyers decide which home is right for them by explaining the pros and cons of various options.
The buyer’s agent will advise clients on an appropriate price to offer and present it to the seller’s agent. Then they will negotiate on your behalf and write up the contracts for you. This is where the agent’s experience in negotiating deals can save you money and help you avoid pitfalls like a fixer-upper that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Ready to house hunt? Prepare for a flurry of paperwork, stampedes of buyers competing for the same digs, and other challenges before you get your hands on those house keys. Yes, the process can be complex and stressful—which is why having a pro by your side can make all the difference. A REALTOR® will significantly improve your success in finding your dream home. When you’re ready to sell someday, they’ll be there again to help you and find your next dream home.
