How to Select the Best Realtor, the Best Lender, and the Right Home!
The first big job for every buyer is selecting the right Realtor
Who can you trust….that’s really what it all boils down to….who will put your needs ahead of their own when it comes to guiding you through this process?
Here are a few tips to help you select the best person to represent you:
- Ask for references…you should be able to speak with every one of the present and recent clients
- Ask how many transactions this person has completed in the past year
- Ask if you will have personal attention…will there be a person dedicated to working for you…how much time will be set aside to serve you
- Ask about the Realtor’s business philosophy
- Ask yourself…is this a person I can trust
The second important choice is who will be your lender
This is a person you are trusting to get you the best deal on a loan…that’s pretty important
- Ask the same questions of the lender you ask of your Realtor
- Ask your Realtor who they recommend…after all, this better be a person you already trust!
After you have chosen your Realtor and lender it’s a good idea to turn your attention to the buying process
Here are a few ideas that will get you started in the right direction…and a few items for your checklist that will get you prepared to start looking at new homes:
- Take a careful look at your present monthly expenses…and look at least six months back….twelve months is better. Use that historical information to determine what you can comfortably afford for a house payment…and don’t forget to allow for those unexpected bills…like car repairs or birthday gifts!
- Talk with your lender and determine what purchase amount fits your budget. This is where you can save yourself the most time…a great lender can make the roughest transaction seem smooth…please contact me if you need a referral…I can put you in contact with other professionals that really care about their clients!
- Take stock of the furniture and personal items that you have…think about how important these things are to you…and what type of space you will need for them in your new home.
- Start eliminating un-needed items right away! Ask yourself when was the last time you used that ten-year old can of spray paint…moving is never much fun…move less…enjoy more!
- Set aside time to drive through the areas you are considering…look at the stores, the streets, schools, parks, freeway access
- Do the drive…get up early and drive to work from that area…pick a busy day…do the same for the afternoon commute…better to learn all about traffic before you buy!
- Keep a list of the places you like…and don’t like…and share them with me…that alone can save you lots of time!
OK…now you are ready to move on to the next step…Successfully Searching for your new home!