How do you begin the process of buying a home?
Having sold over 300 homes with an accumulative value of over 150 million dollars, I have seen many buyers receive excellent representation and, therefore, results, and I have heard of many buyers in tears over losing the house of their dreams or ending up with a nightmare of a purchase.
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For buyers to best begin the process of buying a home, they should identify an agent with a proven system to help them acquire the right home at the lowest price with the greatest long-term value. A good Buyer’s Agent will educate a buyer so that they submit an offer at the right price – not too much or too little while providing systems, resources, and expertise every step of the way.
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To find a great agent, I recommend a buyer ask the agent they are meeting the following important questions.
How does the Buyer’s Agent:
a. Determine the current value of a property?
b. Evaluate the property’s long-term appreciation?
c. Provide buyers access to financing options?
d. Prevent and handle pitfalls in the process (Can they recommend a selection of top quality lawyers, inspection companies, engineers, insurance agents, and contractors so that buyers make informed decisions by the best service providers in the area?)
e. Provide immediate access to homes? (What’s their availability, who covers for them when they are unavailable?)
f. Present an offer in a Multiple Offer situation? (What’s their strategy?)
g. Present an offer on a house that’s overpriced?
h. Negotiate on behalf of buyers?
i. Co-broke or “work” with other agents?
j. Handle the situation when they represent both the buyer and the seller? (If the agent’s company represents both the seller and the buyer as is common in larger companies, or if the agent themselves has a relationship with both parties, will you be certain that your needs and requests are properly represented?)
k. Keep the process smooth? (What are their systems to help buyers find properties and monitor their purchase until closing?)
Of course, Buyers want to ask an agent how many houses they’ve sold and how long they’ve been in the business. It’s also important for buyers to read an agent’s testimonials as well as ask for references to confirm anything they’ve been told that they feel will benefit confirming.
Buyers looking to buy a house should transact their selection of an agent like sellers do. They should research agents asking for referrals from friends as well as searching on-line for someone who has a good reputation. They should conduct interviews, asking pertinent questions and listen carefully to not only the answers but they should pay close attention to both the attitude and the availability of the agent.
Great agents make for a great process and will help a buyer make a profitable and beneficial buying decision.
If I can be of any other help, please feel free to call me.
Fredda B. Takacs, Realtor
Senior Vice President
The Higgins Group
(203) 521-0300
