Many people start the home buying process without a good idea of what to expect or what purchasing a home entails. Family members can sometimes offer sound advice. You can also find pertinent
information online. But what if there was a guide who could assist you through every step of the process?
Why an Agent Is Beneficial
Real estate agents are specially trained to walk clients through buying a home. They often live in or around the area where their offices are located, and are familiar with local attractions and amenities. Agents also have established relationships with area bankers, lenders and city officials. Your agent puts his or her experience to work for you by providing you the expertise needed to help you find the right home at the right price.
Types of Agents
There are a few different kinds of real estate agents.
- A real estate broker can be a person, firm or corporation. A broker is licensed to sell property for a fee or commission. Each agency or office is owned by a broker.
- Real estate salespersons, or agents, can’t act as a broker, but they are the ones you’ll work with the most. Agents show homes and draw up contracts for the broker.
- Buyer’s agents and seller’s agents work on behalf of the buyer and seller, respectively.
Qualities to Look for in an Agent
Selecting an agent to represent you warrants
careful consideration. Look for these attributes in your chosen agent.
- Ethical - Any agent who represents you should be willing to disclose any problems your potential purchase may have, as well as recuse themselves in the event of a conflict of interest.
- Competent - Your agent should have done the necessary legwork before you are ever shown a home; pre-inspecting properties, choosing homes that fit your price range and planning carefully are all good signs.
- Committed - Real estate agents who make a full-time living from their job are more likely to be invested in a satisfactory transaction than part-time agents.
- Professional - Your agent should have a minimum of three years of experience in residential real estate sales.
- Community-oriented - The agent you choose will have a much better idea of what the neighborhood or city is like if he or she is a local resident.
Bigger Selection
In addition to the community ties and business relationships that your agent puts to work on your behalf, each representative also has access to a database of property listings. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) contains information on most if not all of the properties for sale in a community, complete with price, pictures, and any other relevant data. Selections can be narrowed in several ways, from the number of bedrooms or bathrooms to price or square footage.
By choosing the right real estate agent to represent your new purchase, you’ll have access to someone who can answer your questions and leverage their business relationships and experience on your behalf. The right agent can help you find the dream home that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
**Guest blog article provided by Wingwire.
