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 of situations.
For most homeowners, it is the single most expensive investment you will make. So, you want to make sure you use all the resources available.
When to Search The Internet and When to Use a Realtor
The National Association of Realtors reports over 90 percent of homebuyers searched online during their home buying process. This is a great way to start looking and comparing homes, as well as 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. Your Realtor will set you up on a property search based on your specific criteria, so you can narrow the search to only the homes that fit your wants and needs.
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, and if you are not aware of it until days or weeks after it has been 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 prequalified, writing the offer, and closing on your home. They will not only help guide you through the purchasing process, and negotiate the best terms and conditions, but they also are looking out for your best interest, and will do everything in their power to protect you. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you a penny. The seller pays for the Realtor.
When to Get Pre-Qualified
I often will get calls from buyers ready to go house hunting. When I ask if they have been prequalified, however, some 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 prequalified 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 look for.
You shouldn’t submit an offer without a prequalification. Your offer will not be accepted without one. There are also different degrees of a prequalification. The basic prequalification will just say the buyer has been prequalified based on a phone conversation with the buyer. A full prequalification indicates the lender also has received the application and documentation needed. This is a much stronger prequalification, and, if there is a multiple offer situation, can make the difference as to whether your offer is accepted or not.
Choosing The Right Realtor
Most Realtors stay in business because past satisfied clients refer them.
Ask friends and family if they have a good Realtor who they have used and can recommend.
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 each of 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.
If you would like to start working with a local Realtor, or for more information on buying or selling, please contact me, or visit my website included below.
Lorraine Ryall is a multimillion-dollar producer and recipient of the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award. For more information, call (602) 571-6799, or visit her website at www.Homes2SellAZ.com.