Buying a home is one of the most important decisions in a consumer’s life. A REALTOR® can help buyers stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues that are most important. REALTORS® bring great value to homebuyers because they understand their local markets and can negotiate on the buyer’s behalf, which is especially beneficial in competitive markets.
The buyer agency agreement ensures the buyer that his or her REALTOR® will represent the interests of the buyer alone, and not the seller.
REALTORS® visit hundreds of homes with buyers each year, and have a unique understanding of what buyers value in their local markets.
When you’re buying…
A REALTOR® can help you determine how much home you can afford. Often a REALTOR® can suggest ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.
A REALTOR®, in addition to knowing the local money market, also can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan.
A REALTOR® is already familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.
A REALTOR® can usually research your housing needs in advance through a Multiple Listing Service — even if you are relocating to another city.
A REALTOR® can help familiarize you with the closing process.
REALTOR® shows you only those homes best suited to your needs — size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and other personal preferences.
A REALTOR® often can suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.
A REALTOR®, though generally acting as an agent for the property owner, is bound and obligated by the Code of Ethics to give fair treatment to all parties in the transaction.
A REALTOR® is sensitive to the importance you place on this major commitment you are about to make. Count on this real estate professional to facilitate the negotiation of an agreement satisfactory to both the seller and buyer.
Steps to Take When Buying a Home:
Start saving. Ideally, buyers should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a downpayment, and closing costs average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.
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Decide what you can afford. Generally, buyers can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times their gross income.
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Calculate costs of homeownership (i.e. taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.).
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Assemble credit report and history.
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Determine mortgage qualifications. It’s smart to research and explore all loan options.
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Get preapproved for a loan.
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Select neighborhoods and remember to take into account schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, traffic and safety in the area.
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Contact a REALTOR® who can help guide buyers through the process.