I know that we all want to get the best deal with the least amount of money right? Ever heard the saying” You pay for What You Get”? An expert guide. Buying /Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language. When you are making one of or possibly the biggest purchase/investment of your life, it is very important that you are protected.
Myth: I can save money buy not using an agent
One of the biggest Myths I hear often” Going direct to the seller will save money.”
Some lucky people do get this to work out. But, the vast majority are buying a property blind. A real estate agent has access to market comparables that help them see what the real cost of a property should be. They can advise you if you are over paying. They can also put you in touch with a professional community that can inspect for termites, structural damage or title problems before an expensive mistake is made. Legal problems can also arise from botched negotiations or inappropriate contract paperwork. Let an agent accept the liability and do things right. When the home is listed the seller is paying for the agent fees already. So the buyer has no cost. You can choose your own agent if you choose and that is already factored into the cost that the seller is paying. So why not have someone work and guide you at no cost??
Myth: Looking at Homes Is the Best First Step
It might be tempting to visit open houses, drive through neighborhoods where you’d like to live and talk to neighbors and friends. But your transaction will go much smoother if you get your ducks in a row first. “Assuming that you will be financing your purchase, the first step is to get a preapproval letter — or a pre-qualification letter at a minimum — from a lender of your choice,” said Keith Hickman, Realtor at Compass in Beverly Hills, Calif. “This will not only prepare you to make an offer when the time is right but will help you to focus your search within the price range that you qualify for and are comfortable with.”Waiting to get a loan approval letter until you find a home that you want to make an offer on puts you at a disadvantage in a competitive market, Most offers will not be accepted without a lender approval letter. Potential buyers that have their approval letter in hand will be in a better position to move quickly with a successful offer.
Myth: You Don’t Need an Agent to Buy a Home
Did you know that you can sell your home without an agent? In fact, you can even buy a home without an agent.
“It’s true that sites such as StreetEasy, Zillow and Trulia have made it easy for consumers by providing them with information at their fingertips,” said Judy Williams, licensed real estate salesperson with Halstead Properties in Manhattan. However, “many underestimate the value an experienced agent can bring to them.”
Buyer agents have a duty to put your best interests in the transaction at the forefront. They can provide you with knowledge about the current market conditions and use their expertise to negotiate the best deal for you.
Myth: The agent can only show me the homes that has their name or picture on…
No, agents can show you ANY home that is listed. So if you have a good relationship with an agent , give them a call or send them an email to look up the home for you. If you go from agent to agent that can cause confusion and frustration for the home buyer. It is important to create a relationship with the agent and they will get to know your likes and dislikes to find your perfect home. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you
Everyone has different personalities and that is ok. If you are unsure about what agent to choose, set up interviews. ( get pre-approved first so they know you are serious), Check them out on social media, Check their client ratings or ask around. I work with some awesome agents, contact me and I can send names as well. Agents are commission based so they only make money when the deal closes. So all the gas and time to show homes comes out of their pocket. No one wants to work for free so being mindful. Taking the necessary steps to ensure that your experience is as seamless as can be….
Southern Elite Team 