Selecting The Best Agent To Help You Buy A Home

Q: How do you go about selecting a real estate agent to help you find and buy a house?

A: The best real estate agent is the one who offers the most services and represents and protects your interests during every step of the home buying process. Here’s a list of some services you should expect from your agent. If you don’t get these services, you may want to consider changing agents.

Excellent Service

A professional real estate agent will provide the following services:
  • Prompt response to email messages and phone calls
  • Provides a comprehensive relocation package that contains information on a particular area
  • Is willing to talk in-depth over the phone to provide information
  • Listens to your needs
  • Asks pertinent questions to ensure he or she knows the home, neighborhood and community that best fits you, your family and your lifestyle
  • Provides detailed information on homes for sale in a particular area
  • Thoroughly explain the home buying process
  • Helps you apply for and get pre-approved for a home mortgage before you look at houses
  • Keeps you informed on the status of your loan approval
  • Explains how to buy a home with little or no down payment
  • Explains how to finance a home with below-market interest rates
  • Explains how to buy a home if you have credit challenges or past financial problems
  • Explains how to finance a home if you are self employed and don't want to verify your income or employment
  • Explains the different types of financing that are available
  • Shows how to save $50,000, $100,000 or more on your home mortgage interest
  • Ensures you receive a good faith estimate of the total financing costs of your mortgage
  • Explains how to negotiate to have the seller pay for all or part of the closing costs
  • Provides an accurate estimate of the total cash required to purchase a home
  • Takes you to the different communities and neighborhoods that have homes in your price range
  • Shows you homes in any neighborhood of your choice
  • Shows all homes for sale regardless who has it listed or advertised
  • If you are relocating, picks you up at the airport and recommends hotels and restaurants
  • Has access to and shows you homes that are not officially on the market
  • Provides past appreciation rates for homes or neighborhoods
  • Shows neighborhood amenities and services including schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, etc.
  • Sets appointments to view individual homes
  • Offers their opinion, if you choose, as you walk through homes
  • Suggests and schedules a thorough home inspection from a reputable home inspection firm
  • Ensures the property is free of termite damage or active infestations that are not disclosed
  • Requests and orders any required or needed specialized inspections
  • Suggests a home warranty that is paid for by the seller
  • Can recommend a quality builder for new construction
  • Offers advice on prices to offer
  • Thoroughly explains the purchase documents
  • Can provide an estimate of your total cash requirements at closing
  • Will write the Offer to Purchase agreement
  • Offers advise on how much to deposit with the purchase agreement
  • Provides all available information concerning the seller’s motivation, prices they might accept or other concessions the seller may provide
  • Negotiates the purchase agreement to get the best deal possible
  • Contacts the seller’s agent to ensure the seller complies with all contract contingencies and requirements
  • Recommends a thorough and competitive firm to handle the closing
  • Inspects the home with you prior to closing to ensure the home is as represented when the contract was written
  • Attends the closing to protect your interests
  • Recommends a home owners insurance company
  • Provides information on events that occur between contract acceptance and closing
  • Can help you determine if you should refinance to lower your interest rate or monthly payment
  • Provides annual updates on your home’s value
  • Offers advice regarding investing in rental property

I’d be happy to provide guidance and consultation to help you purchase a home. Please contact me by phone or email. There is no cost or obligation.
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