Elisa Uribe

The Basics of Working with a Realtor

Whether you are buying a home for the first time, or upgrading your current residence, homeownership is one of the most important decisions a person will make in their lifetime. There are many factors to consider when embarking on this venture and choosing a Realtor who is looking out for your best interest is a key factor.

Communication is so important. Many home buyers turn to their computer to help them make the decision which agent they should use. Although it is a great start, viewing a Realtors website is not enough. Why? Because you need to make sure you and the agent you choose can communicate easily. Knowing a Realtor is willing to take the time to listen to your needs will make the process of home ownership much easier. A reputable Realtor will not hesitate to share client testimonials, don’t be afraid to ask.

Once you have found a Realtor that you feel comfortable working with, write out your goals on paper. How soon do you want to buy? Do you need to sell a home first? If you do have a home to sell, have you arranged for an equity line of credit? Are you going to move into a rental first? Your goals will have a tremendous impact on choosing the best location for you and your family, as well as the best type of property for your current situation. With this information at hand, your Realtor can help you determine the best time for you to buy a home.

Next, your Realtor can help narrow down a selection of homes. Most people prefer an automatic email of properties, giving you first hand information every time a new property hits the market that meets your criteria. If you prefer a phone call, let your agent know in advance.

Don’t think the service you should expect will stop there. Weekly, agents have the opportunity to search for homes with you in mind. Narrowing the search of homes will make it easier for you to spend less time viewing homes that did not meet your criteria.

Next be prepared for your Realtor to navigate you through negotiations, writing and presenting the purchase offer, and guiding you through the contingency period.

Homeownership imparts a rewarding vehicle for building wealth and a strong financial future. The Realtor you choose should be there not only when your deal closes, but should also provide you with ongoing service to keep you informed of the market and prepare you for the day you decide to sell.

Already have a Realtor? The highest compliment you can pay your agent is to refer them to a friend or family member. If you like a Realtor who does not specialize in your area, ask them to refer you to professional Realtor they know and trust.