Thinking about moving and buying a new house? Making the right decisions and going through all the hassle of completing the paperwork by yourself can be a pretty daunting task. Especially since buying a home can be one of the most stressful times in your life. One thing that can help make this transition easier is to hire a great real estate agent.
Make sure you find “the cream of the crop” when hiring a real estate agent because he/she will have to:
1- Be truthful about the price:
Many agents like to do lots of sugarcoating or sell you based on the price you would like to pay without thinking if:
• The seller will approve the price
• Your bank will approve the sales price
*If your agent wants to earn your trust, he/she should start by telling you the most accurate price for the house. Have them do a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for you to determine the home’s market value. A CMA uses similar, recently sold homes called comparables that are near the home to be purchased or sold.
2- Negotiation…Negotiation…
If you feel your agent is a bit “soft” when negotiating prices with you, most likely your agent will be weak when negotiating with the seller to get you and your family a better price. Hire an agent who knows what the fair market value is and is better able to negotiate for it.
3- Understand and respect your agenda:
If you are all set to move, most likely you planned it around the date of a new job or school year. If that’s the case, your agent should help facilitate your moving, so that everything goes according to plan and the process runs smoothly. Be sure to review your timeline together and discuss any issues that may delay a closing. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is important. Open and honest communications will be key towards a positive experience.
4- Find a house you love
A house is a place to build memories, relax, and enjoy. This important decision could determine where you live for the next 5 to 50 years of your life. If your agent is a professional one, he/she will focus on your wants, needs and goals first rather than the dollars generated by the sale. Finding a great agent who is knowledgeable with the negotiation and communication expertise you’ll need will ensure you not only find the home of your dreams but have a seamless experience as well.