Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. If you are at a point where you are considering this type of purchase, you are also probably tossing around the idea of working with a real estate agent in the interest of saving some money. While it is not required to have a real estate agent throughout the home buying process, it is highly recommended – especially if it is your first house.
As a first-time homebuyer, it is not uncommon to have high anxiety. This is understandable because, for most people, this is new territory. Unless your career is in the real estate industry, you are not an expert in the market or the process of home buying. Real estate agents study the real estate market for a living. They pay attention to historic trends, the current situation, and even forecast what is to come. Because of this, they can advise when and where is the right time to buy.
Generally, if you are looking for a real estate agent, you will hire someone familiar with the area in which you plan to live. Real estate agents have access to the best listings with countless resources at their fingertips. Therefore, they can easily find homes that match your wants and needs and fit into your budget. Also, a real estate agent often has access to the facts and history related to the neighborhood of interest.
Real estate agents are on your team – think of it as a partnership. Their role is to find you the home of your dreams and help you get it at the right price. They will negotiate on your behalf and advise you, as the buyer, what is the right move based on their knowledge in the industry.
There are so many details involved when it comes to buying a house. From the home inspection to the piles of cumbersome paperwork, you will miss important steps if you do not have a real estate agent to advise you along the way. Additionally, there are many state and local regulations a buyer must follow when purchasing a home – if something falls through the cracks, it could end up costing you as the buyer more money in fees/penalties.
Remember that buying your first house should not be all about the stress – this is supposed to be a fun, exciting time in your life. Having a real estate agent on your side will make the process smoother and alleviate potential problems and headaches that could arise without one.
Asking the right questions and doing your research will go a long way to ensuring you pick the right realtor for you. If you’re looking for a realtor to buy your first home, I can help. Let’s talk! Call me at 717-253-3259 (cellphone) or visit my website at www.karentavenner.com.