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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. |
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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
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| 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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