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Why should you use a Realtor when buying a home?

Important information all buyers should know

For most people, a home is the most expensive purchase they will make in their lifetime. It is a serious and complicated transaction with significant financial and emotional ramifications for all the parties involved, and having proper representation is critical. Navigating a real estate purchase can be tricky. The web has made it possible to do a lot of the legwork yourself, but there’s no substitute for an experienced professional. A crack negotiator who knows the market can save you time, money and heartache by helping you make the right offer—playing hardball when necessary—and staying on top of the process. Here are some of the most important reasons buyers and sellers should use the services of a realtor:

They facilitate the Process

A Realtor is a client advocate, market expert and negotiating tiger, all wrapped up into one independent contractor. Because REALTORS® are usually solo practitioners, they wear many hats. They are not only sales experts.  They are also marketing directors, therapists, social media managers and data analysts, all in one.

They adhere to a strict code of ethics

When you work with a Realtor®, you’re partnering with a professional who operates according to a strict code of ethics. In place for over 100 years, the Realtor® Code of Ethics ensures that consumers who work with a Realtor® are treated professionally and ethically in all transaction-related matters.

Complex, ever-changing real estate regulations. 

Buying or selling a home is not like purchasing a plane ticket. Every home is different, and laws and regulations change every year and vary from state to state. Generally speaking, people purchase a new home every 7-10 years, and a lot can — and usually does — change between transactions. Realtors® are immersed in real estate, and they must stay current with all the updates in regulations, laws, contracts and practices. Once you retain a Realtor®, they put all that knowledge to work for you.

Help finding the right home, beyond square footage and baths.

Browsing online is a terrific way to start a home search — in fact, almost 90 percent of people start their home search online, but when it is time to buy, knowing all the pros and cons of a property can help you make the right decision. Realtors® live and breathe real estate, and they can share information about a home that you wouldn’t otherwise know.  This is because sometimes properties are available but they are not being actively advertised. Also, your Realtor® can go beyond the aesthetics and tell you important details about the homes you are considering.

Market Data. Market data is determined by many factors, including the availability of similar properties at competitive market prices, location, condition, and most of all the price that a knowledgeable buyer is willing to pay. You will be provided market data to help you establish an offering price.  You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?

Contracts and negotiations. Finding the right home is the fun part, then the real work begins. Today’s contracts can be 50 pages long — not counting addendums and riders (would people know what riders mean). Realtors® can help you navigate these complex documents and craft an attractive offer that makes sense for you. In addition, when it comes to negotiation, your Realtor® is your advocate and can bring an objective voice to a very subjective situation.

The Bottom Line: 

Having a good buyer’s agent is key, and their professional services are offered at no cost to you. Why not take advantage of it?

• One of the REALTOR®’s most important roles is as the unbiased voice of reason. The REALTOR® is the objective set of eyes in the transaction. They help sellers see outside their personal connection to a property, and they help buyers stay leveled when faced with a multiple-bid situation.
  
• A REALTOR® can help a buyer save money and help a seller to make the most money. Because they go through the home buying and selling process daily, they can warn clients of potential dangers and looming changes.
  
• For instance, when Congress threatens to eliminate the mortgage-interest deduction, REALTORS® are at the forefront of the fight rallying to voice their support and save the measure. They are the link between housing policy and the consumer.
  
• A REALTOR® maintains a customer-focused approach. Showing properties and writing offers is just a percentage of what happens in the course of the typical REALTOR®’s day: no two days are alike, and no two transactions are alike.
  
• A REALTOR® is the only constant in the real estate transaction. Can you afford not to have that experience on your side?
  
• A REALTOR® is working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in.  A Realtor is there for you.

Why choose me?

Many things occur between signing the purchase offer and moving into a new house. I will attend to every detail and keep you in informed on the transaction every step of the way.  

Sellers list their homes with real estate agents to ensure professional representation throughout the home selling process. As a buyer, you deserve the same kind of service, and I am committed to making it the most pleasant experience it can be.

I do not let any stone go unturned when it comes to finding the right home for my clients. I am committed a 100 percent to you and my turnaround time on emails and phone calls is almost immediate.

I take my profession very seriously, and it shows by the success I have attained during my 16 years as a Realtor, including the years when many agents struggled or had to get out of the business.  I am a very experienced professional with a strong code of ethics, who offers my expertise and negotiation skills to you for a successful transaction.  

My gift to you:

When you buy a home with me you get a One Year Free Home Warranty Package (with a value of $400). I look forward to working with you and finding the home you are looking for!

BUYING PROCESS FROM A – Z

1. Search for properties based on desired criteria
   
2. Choose the right home
   
3. Review market data to determine offer price
   
4. Provide proof of funds and a loan pre-approval letter
   
5. Establish initial offer price and terms in the purchase contract
   
6. Negotiate counteroffers
   
7. Reach a mutual acceptance
   
8. Execute contract
   
9. Apply for a loan
   
10. Lender orders appraisal
    
11. Open escrow
    
12. Wire earnest money deposit within 2 days to escrow
    
13. Review and sign escrow instructions
    
14. Review and sign seller disclosures
    
15. Send all parties involved executed contract (lender, title etc.)
    
16. Selling agent orders appraisal
    
17. Schedule all inspections
    
18. Title office starts title searches
    
19. Review inspection reports. If necessary, negotiate repairs and/or credits
20. Review preliminary title and city report
21. Purchase home owners insurance
22. Remove contingencies from loan approval
23. Loan approval
24. Final walk-through of property
25. Signing of documents at closing & loan funding
26. Obtain keys!