6 Pros to Consult Before Making Real Estate Decisions
Introduction: Smart Home Buyer’s Planning Guide
If you are a buyer, seller, or novice investor reading this, it is obvious, you are a planner! You are a firm believer in research. Influence is NOT easy to achieve with you. Understandable! I am definitely NOT easy to convince either. For this reason, I drafted the “Smart Home Buyer’s Planning Guide” and the “Smart Home Seller’s Planning Guide” to help you develop a general awareness of common and noteworthy concerns and pitfalls as you aspire to maximize your return, or make a wise home investment.
Both sides will find this information very useful no matter if it’s your first home, maybe you are upgrading to a larger home or more prestigious community, seeking to maximize your rental income, or you are looking to meet your distinct needs or vision for a dream living space.
Others Will Always Want to Help!
Family and friends will be watching out for you, which can be comforting, however it is likely, if any, they purchased one or perhaps two homes in their life and are not completely equipped to analyze the current real estate market or industry trends. You pay the professionals for their knowledge in the field. They deal with important details in the home-buying process daily.
Do I Have To Pay For Services?
If you are a seller you will likely recall real estate brokers receive their commissions directly from the sellers through an escrow account held by a title company. It is negotiated by the listing agent at the time the listing is taken. A buyer will never touch or even see that money! Remember, brokers DO NOT GET PAID UNTIL THE PURCHASE IS COMPLETE, AND THE DEAL IS CLOSED.
A buyer is only responsible to pay the down payment, closing costs including fees from their lending institution, appraisal and inspection costs unless there are other terms associated with the purchase contract.
Buyer or seller, you will want your real estate broker to be a very savvy negotiator to minimize the monetary requirements, and preferred terms on your end.
Who Should I Consult?
True professionals have worked in or around the industry for years, such as:
#1 Real Estate Brokers which handle the neighborhood questions, property matters, transaction initiation questions and all matters throughout the negotiation and purchase of the property. A great broker will have a slew of knowledge, resources, connections and a network of industry partners to help you achieve any of your purchasing or sale goals. They are your key to locating proven professionals you will need to work with throughout the process.
#2 Certified Appraisers determine and assign value on behalf of lending institutions for purposes of securing a loan.
#3 Home Improvement Contractors assess and provide estimates of building and repair work associated with purchases and home ownership.
#4 Banks and Loan Officers collect your financial information in order to qualify your fitness to secure loans with agencies, institutions or private lenders. You will want to shop around for the best rates, and a knowledgeable and well connected real estate broker can give you a few referrals to streamline your path.
#5 Escrow officers work at title companies to ensure your purchase is safe and the seller is legitimate.
#6 Accountants and Tax Preparers can answer questions regarding changes, or tax burden sheltering benefits of home purchases and ownership.
These professionals are better able to explain your position and advise you on matters of importance as a home buyer under the current market conditions. Be sure they are knowledgeable and able to answer questions completely about any short or long term concerns you may have regarding your home investment.
It is advisable to direct your questions to these professionals and stick to their guidance. It is very important you feel comfortable learning so you can maximize your time investment as you build wealth and learn more about this important process.
The Key? Choose the Right Real Estate Broker!
You’ll want to reach a comfortable working relationship with your real estate broker before you are a “ready, willing and able buyer!” Why, do you ask? Why would they want to talk to you before you are ready to make a purchase? Remember, you are interviewing the person that is going to help you make, perhaps, the largest purchase in your life!
Shouldn’t you get to know this person? Don’t you want to know how they think? Isn’t it important to build some degree of trust and confidence so that when your broker suggests a purchase strategy, “perhaps the other neighborhood would be a better choice”, or a particular sales strategy including an unfathomable listing price, you will KNOW that your broker has your best interest at heart.
Important Knowledge and Qualities
It is important to find a well-educated and wise Real Estate Broker who has personal experience as a homeowner and a landlord of multiple properties. You need a loyal, reliable and creative confidante who can help you anticipate any future situation. You want a fearless negotiator to work on your behalf and get the best deal possible for your situation.
What They Should Do For YOU!
A true professional knows that you value dedicated assistance in finding and making a wise investment in THE RIGHT PROPERTY at the right price, no matter what it takes. If brokers are well-rounded over various fields that affect real estate, they value and gear themselves toward their client’s best interest over their return on investment (ROI) in a single transaction! They find the relationships that develop more rewarding in the long run.
Clues You’ve Got a Great Broker
He or she should value your complete confidence and satisfaction to ensure the evolution of a mutually beneficial relationship. Vetted professionals have established many dependable partnerships and enjoy the benefits of repeat and referral business. Look for testimonials and recommendations from repeat clients to be sure the agent is equally responsive after their client’s recommendation is uploaded.
The Extra Mile
An experienced and diverse broker can help you plan strategic improvements and upgrades, or suggest other ways to add value to your real estate investment. It is advisable to have conversations with your trusted real estate broker, your accountant, credit and loan professionals as you plan. Each can offer different perspectives to help you formulate a plan using the most direct path to create wealth including owning great real estate investments.
You Will Know When . . .
You will feel comfortable with the right real estate broker because he or she won’t mind mapping out steps and coaching you in a supportive way as you work toward your investment purchase goals. Few brokers possess the talent let alone are willing to take the time to be educators and coaches. They are rare, but you can find them.
If your broker is a true professional, you should never be put off without direction and a plan for follow up consultations. So, if this is what you have encountered, keep interviewing. The broker who responds to questions, follows up, and guides you through each step is the keeper!
It’s a Fact: Brokers Work Harder For You When . .
You show your respect and appreciation for your broker’s generosity and dedication by respecting their time and energy. You can demonstrate this up front by asking questions conservatively. Maximize your time with any professional with a little advanced preparation.
Write down each of your questions in order of priority. Try to anticipate answers and decide if you should add follow up questions. This extra step on your end, will save you time, it won’t eliminate them, but it will reduce the uncomfortable hem and haw exchanges, and demonstrate your respect for their professionalism.
Keep in mind, if you are a buyer now, you will likely be a seller! Your broker will become a valuable font of resources and information in the future. As they try their best to accommodate your questions while still putting food on the table, your observance of their time will go a long way to maintain a genuine interest in helping you achieve a successful outcome.
Topics That Warrant Discussions with Professionals
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, there is a slew of questions that will cross your mind when you are in the process, but if you are like me, you like to get a jump on things, remove the guess work, and have a big picture view of the process!
Contact me for a List of Important Questions: “Get acquainted with Each Real Estate Professional” and get started in the right direction!
Let’s Get Started!
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Oh, by the way . . . I am never too busy for your questions, your business, or your referrals!
Thank you in advance for your confidence, and recommendations to your family and friends.
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