Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, buying a home can be one of the most exciting, but at times, one of the most stressful experiences you can go through.
For most homeowners, it is the single most expensive investment you will make. So, you want to make sure to use all the resources available.
When to Search The Internet and When to Use a Realtor
Over 92 percent of homebuyers use the Internet to search for homes. This is a great way to start looking and comparing homes, getting an idea of home prices and information on the area. Once you go from just browsing to getting ready to actually purchase a home, it is time to enlist the help of a Realtor. Here are just a few benefits of working with a Realtor:
- Many of the sites, such as Zillow, do not have the most updated information. You may find that perfect home only to discover it is already under contract and no longer available. Realtors use the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, which is the most up-to-date resource available.
- Your Realtor will set you up on a property search based on your specific criteria. So, you will be sent only those homes having what you are seeking.
- Another great tool a Realtor can offer is the automatic search notification. If a home is listed, which meets your criteria, you will receive an email of that listing on the same day. This is a great tool to keep you on top of the market, and make sure you are one of the first to view the home. A good home, at the right price, will go very quickly. If you are not aware of it until days or weeks after it was initially listed on the market, chances are you will miss out on that home.
- A Realtor can help you through the complete buying process, from starting your search, getting pre-qualified, writing the offer, and closing on your home. Your Realtor will not only help guide you through the purchasing process, negotiate the best terms and conditions, but also is looking out for your best interest. A Realtor is the client’s advocate, and will do everything possible to protect you. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you a penny. The seller, not the buyer, pays the Realtor.
When to Get Pre-Qualified
I will often get calls from buyers ready to go house hunting. When I ask if they have been pre-qualified, they will say, “Oh, I have a good lender, and can get qualified any time,” or “Not yet. I will do that once I find a home I like.” Trust me, you will want to get pre-qualified before you start looking for homes for several reasons:
- Without knowing exactly how much you can qualify for, you don’t know what price range of home to view. You don’t want to fall in love with a home only to find out you can’t afford it.
- You cannot submit an offer without a pre-qualification.
- The pre-qualification shows the seller you are a serious buyer, and will have the funds available.
- There also are different degrees of a pre-qualification. The basic pre-qual will just show the buyer has been pre-qualified based on a phone conversation only. A full pre-qualification shows the lender also has received the application and documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns and proof of down payment. This is a much stronger pre-qualification, as it shows the seller that the lender has qualified the buyer based on all the information. If there is a multiple offer situation, having a full pre-qualification can make the difference as to whether or not your offer is accepted.
Choosing the right realtor
- Find a local Realtor, someone who really knows the area well. A local Realtor will have a good knowledge of the local real estate market and the area.
- Ask how many homes the Realtor has sold in the past 12 months, and check out their website.
- Interview several Realtors. You can do this by just chatting with them on the phone. After all, you are going to be spending a lot of time working together. So, it is important you actually like your Realtor and get on well together.
If you would like to start working with a local Realtor, or for more information on buying or selling a home, please call me at (602) 571-6799, or visit my website at www.Homes2SellAZ.com.
Lorraine Ryall is a Multi-Million Dollar producer and a recipient of the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award.