REAL ESTATE SPECIAL SECTION
Importance of a Local Real Estate Agent
You wouldn ’ t undergo surgery without a surgeon , or do a root canal without a dentist , so why would you buy or sell a house without a real estate agent ? Agents have in-depth knowledge of local communities , an insider ’ s view of the real estate market , and early access into listings that go on the market . By having a real estate agent on your team , you can take full advantage of these perks when trying to buy or sell a home !
Moving into a new community ? A real estate agent is familiar with the lay of the land — from what the neighborhood is like , to the local hotspots . He / she will be able to guide you in the decision that best fits your ideal location and wish list . Making a move into a new neighborhood or town with kids makes a real estate agent even more necessary . Agents can provide an inside look into school districts , sports teams and available extracurricular activities that could be a game-changer for you and your family .
Having an agent as an insider into all things local is just one benefit . With access to other real estate professionals , such as mortgage lenders , home inspectors , attorneys and title companies , agents are valuable in streamlining the process of making a transaction . They also have access to the multiple listing service ( MLS ) to provide you with information on available homes . Access to the MLS is restricted to licensed agents and brokers , providing them with a wealth of knowledge that they can then pass along to you . This includes information that sellers don ’ t necessarily list on public sites , such as square footage , seller disclosures and HOA regulations .
Armed with facts from the MLS , including comparable listings in the area , real estate agents can negotiate on your behalf . They are able to develop an offer that reflects market value , while still staying within certain budgetary guidelines . Once these offers are reviewed , agents can make recommendations from inspections on repair costs and how to appropriately counter an offer .
If you are in the market to buy or sell , start by doing some research on a real estate agency that is right for you . Have new neighbors ? Ask who their agents were . They obviously did a good job of selling your neighborhood to buyers . If referrals aren ’ t available , look for a local office in your neighborhood or in the neighborhood where you ’ re interested in moving . The agency can offer guidance and support throughout the entirety of your home buying or selling process .
3 . Agent .
Having a real estate agent in your corner for a firsttime purchase is key . Agents will not only help you navigate the home-buying process , but can also be a valuable resource for an inside look at new homes that go on the market . This gives buyers the opportunity to view homes that may not have made it onto real estate websites for public viewing .
4 . Location .
Your dream house may not be in your dream location , and your dream location may not have your dream house . Don ’ t get stuck in a rut if you ’ re not seeing everything you want in your price range . Typically , you ’ ll need to make some compromises with your first home . Keep a few non-negotiables in your back pocket , but otherwise be open to the idea of putting some of your own upgrades and changes into a home that may not have everything on your wish list .
5 . Home .
Don ’ t get stuck in the mindset that you should spend every dollar that you qualify for in your mortgage . This could lead to bigger problems down the road . Look in the market under your max budget and be creative when looking at homes for ways to make improvements or changes that better fit your needs . A little bit of sweat equity can go a long way and will give the home your own personal touch .
6 . Offer .
Once you ’ ve found a house you want to call “ home ,” work with your real estate agent to come up with an offer the seller can ’ t refuse . Whether the house needs some improvements or it ’ s a hot buy on the market , your agent can guide you into making a serious offer to the seller . If you ’ re feeling passionate about the home , write the seller a letter explaining why you ’ re the best buyer for the home . These touches can sometimes be the difference between getting the house of your dreams , or losing it to another buyer .
7 . Moving .
You ’ ve done it ! You ’ ve purchased your first home . Now that you have a mortgage to pay , keep in mind some money-saving tips , like asking your closest family and friends to help you move ! A little pizza can go a long way when looking for some extra help . Make a plan for those personal touches to add to your home . Test out paint colors in each room to make sure you like the color in the daylight . Purchase furniture after making detailed measurements ( you don ’ t want to come home with something that doesn ’ t fit !). Add some curb appeal as a finishing touch and as a way to meet your new neighbors !
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