Buying a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you will ever do, definitely in the top 3 with getting married and having a baby. On the other hand…it can be the opposite, one of the biggest nightmares you will ever go through.
How you experience the Home Buying Process depends entirely on how well prepared you are and how knowledgeable and dedicated your team is. Your team should include your Realtor®, Loan Officer, Home Inspector and Closing Attorney. There will be other professionals involved in the transaction by default, but the afore mentioned professionals are selected by you…the Buyer.
Here’s the bonus…once you’ve selected your Realtor®…she/he should have a network of professionals in her/his arsenal and will be able to make suggestions to help you put your team together, based on your particular situation.
It’s the responsibility of your Realtor® to guide you through the process, to run interference, be your representation and have your best interest at heart. Some say…we represent our clients “from contract to close,” reality is this…our representation starts long before the buyer is under contract and the goal is to establish a relationship with the client that will last long after the Closing and into the future.
You can understand why selecting your Realtor is probably the most important step in the process. You will…for all intents and purposes, be in partnership with your agent. You will be confiding in them on a professional business level and often on a personal level as well.
Your Realtor® will be the person dealing with any problems that crop up along the way. She/he will be the key to your finding the home you want, in the area you want, for the price you want. Be selective, look for someone you feel comfortable with and with whom you feel is experienced and knowledgeable. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or read reviews; most agents are used to this and will not object. Once you select someone you feel good about working with, sign them up as your Buyers’ Agent, it costs you nothing and is very important that the person you’re working with is representing you exclusively.
Stay tuned for my next commentary where I talk about All Things Real Estate. You’ll be sure to learn something new. Stick with me and you’ll be clear of any confusion you may have when it’s your time to buy.
