By Diane Olson
This is it! The time is now. Your ready to start looking at buying a new home! But you really don't know what's out there, what is right for you, what should you look for and what can you afford. So, your first step might be to go to a website or an app and start checking out the homes for sale. This is not a bad step, but all of the learning is on you. These are self-help tools. We are all good with Google these days, however, buying a home can be complex and understanding what is required of you is critical.
This is why there are Real Estate Agents. They are experts in the community. They know the inventory available and they can be extremely helpful in walking you through your first steps to better prepare you to start looking. And here is the best part, working with a Real Estate Agent doesn't cost you a dime till you buy your home.
Real Estate Agents have access to tools and information you can't get on an app. They have access to properties coming on the market, that aren't listed on the mls. As your agent I can run a Comparative Market Analysis otherwise known as a CMA. This will give you a complete history of sold and active transactions in the area you are looking to buy. This gives you the best understanding of what the homes cost, sold for and what the neighborhood has to offer. Your agent has many tools to give you the correct information to make you an informed buyer and it is that knowledge that can save you time, money and keep you from making costly mistakes. Remember knowledge is power and can save you money.
Right now, the homes for sale inventory is low, so you may not find what you are looking for being available at this time. But your Real Estate Agent, when under contract, can be on the alert for you, sending you options and opportunities as they come on market. Even if you see something on an APP and you send it to your agent they can give you back a more comprehensive report on that property.
Most Importantly, by contracting with me as your Real Estate Agent as the first thing you do to begin looking, I can help you be better prepared before you start looking. Many people don't understand that today, in most cases, to have an offer even presented, you must have proof of funds, and a Pre-Approval letter for a loan or have the cash. Many times, people find their home and want to move on it now only to find out they are unprepared and can't make their offer and may even lose out on the property, while trying to get pre-approved for financing. I can recommend lenders to speak with so you know what you can afford and what to plan for.
These are only a few reasons why in today's market it pays to contract with a real estate agent as your first step in buying a home. If you are thinking of buying a home, I would be happy to work with you to get you prepared and and positioned to get you into your new home. Just call me at 949-422-1722 or go to my website and request a CMA. http://06v.9a4.myftpupload.com