Get the Most from Your Realtor – 6 Ways They Can Help

Purchasing a home is likely to be the most significant financial investment you’ll ever make in your, and your family’s, future. Yet, as it’s something most of us do only a few times during our lives, it’s not surprising that the process of upgrading to a new home can be daunting, and even risky if we don’t have the knowledge to get things right.

For this reason, most homebuyers tend to use a realtor to act on their behalf and protect their interests. What services should you expect your realtor to provide, and how can you help them to help you? Below we list 6 of the most important things your realtor can help with

1.    Pre-approval

Before moving on to the exciting phase of searching for that dream home, there’s the matter of how you are going to finance your purchase. Your realtor can help things move swiftly along by ensuring you obtain pre-approval (not just pre-qualification) from your lender for the amount you’ll need to cover all costs related to the purchase.

2.    Clarify your needs and give realistic advice

They’ll also help you to be clear about exactly what you’re going to be looking for.  To facilitate this step, make a list of ‘must-haves’, and ‘would-like-to-haves’ before you sit down to discuss with them. Also, be clear about any features which would be a deal-breaker for you. This will save both your time as well as theirs,

3.    Identify suitable properties

Once the target is clear, it’s time to start searching. It’s worthwhile to note that in certain areas, such as New York,  broker commission rebates are available if you identify the property you want to buy via your own searches. These can be substantial: for example, on a $1000,000 property, with an agent’s commission of 3%, you could reclaim up to $2100. Not bad!

4.    Negotiate on your behalf

Inexperienced buyers often find the negotiations extremely awkward.  Therefore, your broker can handle this delicate process in a far more objective way, to get the property you want at the best possible price. Also, if, for example, repairs are needed, he or she can use these as leverage for further reductions.

5.    Organize a home inspection

Before purchase, you’ll want to carry out a home inspection. Your broker will know the best professionals in the area, who’ll give a thorough appraisal at a reasonable cost, saving you time, money, and hassle.

6.    Liaise with other parties

Even though buying a house will be high on your list of priorities, chances are you still have to get on with your day job. While you’re doing that, let your broker handle the communication with the seller’s agent, as well as your lawyer. With their wealth of experience, they’ll be able to review all contracts and documentation to ensure that no loopholes remain.

To summarize, when you work together with a broker, they will help ensure that the process goes smoothly, that you get the best possible deal, that you can have peace of mind throughout. With all those things achieved, all you have to do is get on with enjoying life and settling down into your wonderful new home.

Previous post:
The Keys To A Quick Home Sale

Next post:
How To Sell Your Home Quicker