Buying a home can be an overwhelming process. From financing
to negotiating to closing, there are a lot of moving pieces that can leave
homebuyers bewildered.
A real estate agent can help guide you through each step of
the buying process, offering sound advice along the way. By working with a
professional agent who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry,
you’ll not only end up with a great home, but you’ll also walk away with a
great experience.
Here are some of the key areas that an agent can help you
with:
Getting pre-approved by a lender
By providing your real estate agent with some basic
information about your income, savings, and debt, he or she can assist you in
getting pre-approved by a reputable lender. The lender will then go over your
financing options, what monthly payment amount you can afford, and what you can
expect for down payment requirements and closing costs.
Choosing a home
For most buyers, choosing a home is an emotional process. An
agent can assist you in this process by offering objective information about
each property you look at. From local community information like schools and
zoning to home-specific details like condition and amenities, an agent can help
you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Making an offer
Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, an agent will
research recent comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help determine
a fair selling price. Based on those comparable sales, as well as other factors
like inspections and repairs, an agent will then help you structure an offer
and negotiate to get the very best deal possible.
Closing
Closing, or settlement, can be a complicated process. In some
areas, the escrow or title company handles the closing process, while in other
areas an attorney handles it. Regardless of where you’re buying, a real estate
agent can help ensure that everything goes smoothly.
