For Buyers

main

So, you’ve decided it’s time to begin the hunt for a new home? That’s great news! You’re about to embark on an amazing journey for you and your family. New neighborhood means new neighbors, meeting new friends, maybe a new school for the kids… There will be new places to explore like restaurants, shops, all kinds of local points of interest… This is such an exciting time!

Did you know that the average modern family moves into a new home once every 13 years? Pride in Home Ownership is still held in very high regard. Of course there are tax benefits, equity and security advantages once renting becomes a thing of the past. In addition, there are so many intangible benefits that your entire family will certainly enjoy.

main

 

It can be a tricky thing to get the right home at the best price possible though. Considering that this purchase is something most folks do only one or two times in their lives, it would be very wise to consult a professional to help you through the entire process. Don’t go it alone without representation. While it’s fun to surf around online looking at home buying choices, when it comes down to looking at these options closely and seriously, it’s time to get all the facts in order and much of that information is not going to be found online.

A committed, hard-working Realtor will oversee all of the intimate details on your behalf, every step of the way, and typically, it’s the Seller who pays their commission. If you thought you had a serious illness, would you self-diagnose by way of Google or Web M.D. – without ever consulting a medically trained doctor? I wouldn’t think so. Of course, buying home is not a matter of life and death, but it is something to be very cautious about. You don’t want to miss a so called “minor detail” or misunderstand a “simple clause” that ends up being a huge problem, and turns your purchase and your family upside down.

So how Should You Proceed?

That’s a great question! Some people ask their friends or family members about their home buying experience. Referrals in this business play a major part, and Realtors pride themselves on receiving them. It’s one of the highest compliments they could receive! Open houses are a good place to seek out an agent as well because usually there is a little time to chat as well as notice how they interact with others (not knowing of course) that you’re considering them to help you find your new home. Notice their communication skills and appearance. How do they carry themselves? Does their style fit with yours? Truthfully, it’s not too hard to instinctively pick up on the fact that someone you’re considering hiring is honest, hard-working, passionate, kind, professional, and knowledgeable in the area that you are looking to buy in.

This sounds obvious but really be certain that they understand your wish list, as well as your needs list. You’re probably going to spend a fair amount of time together home shopping and remember, it’s supposed to be FUN! If you feel that qualifications from the agent’s previous clients is something you want, most Realtors are very comfortable furnishing you with a short list of satisfied clients that they’ve helped in the recent past. Simply give them a call, or send them an email if it makes you feel more confident in your choice. Sharing testimonials is a very common practice nowadays.

Realtors that can really focus on a certain area are typically very knowledgeable about the market value of that area. It’s very common that some homes are worth more than others in the same exact area, not only due to square footage, upgrades, age of the home, and condition, but where the home is located. What is that home near? A good example might be that the home is on an especially quiet, well-kept street that has a fee associated with that, or maybe it has some waterfront instead of being located next to a busy intersection without a noise ordinance. This is important to know as you’ll want all the facts you can get about the area where you and your family will be living soon.

Buying a home still remains one of the single most important decisions you’ll ever make. So in essence, if there’s something about the area you don’t like, or it doesn’t fit with your lifestyle, ask your agent about other possibilities that might accommodate you more appropriately. It’s illegal for a Realtor to steer anyone in one direction or another, but Realtors will arm you with all the information you’ll need to make the right decision with regards to where you really want to be living, and you can begin or resume the search at that time. Sometimes searches change a little bit once you actually begin looking at homes and neighborhoods in person vs simply online.

Realtors who really know their area can be a great resource when you’re chatting about all the new local points of interest you’ll probably be taking advantage of while living there. Now granted, you don’t have to hire any of these company’s on the list, and you always have you’re your choices (and Google) but it’s fantastic to have list of reputable resources already pre-screened and ready for you to contact should you choose to!

A truly professional Realtor is so much more than someone taking you around, showing you a few homes and taking you to lunch, simply to earn a commission. It is a very tough job to maintain and balance effectively. There are so many facets to this business, especially in the current times we live in, there are frequent changes in legal issues and regulations, processes to follow, continuing education, broker, insurances and impact fees. In addition, the reality of the consistent hard work that attaches itself to each and every transaction, today’s successful Realtors are very much in it to win it – for you.

Work With Racquel

My job is helping my clients through what may be the largest and most important investment of their lives. My knowledge and technical expertise of the market and community makes me a powerful resource, so clients can make educated and confident decisions.

Follow Me on Instagram