What You Should Expect From a Realtor®
Whether you are a first-time buyer or have purchased and sold several homes, your realtor® is an integral part of the experience. There are a number of things that you should expect of a real estate professional that will help you in your process.
No realtor® should expect you to know every step of buying or selling a home. Even if you have worked with the realtor in other transactions, market conditions may have changed, and your realtor® should counsel you on the current situation.
Your realtor® should gather important information from you, as to why you wish to buy a home, as well as your budget. You will need to share your financial situation with your realtor®. If you are not pre-approved for a mortgage, your realtor® may be able to provide names of reputable lenders.
Sit down with your realtor® and compile a list of your needs for your home. Do you want to live in a certain neighbourhood? How many bedrooms will you need? What about garage space? Do you need to be near certain schools? Your realtor® should be knowledgeable about your market, and suggest only those properties that fit your requirements.
Your realtor® will review homes that are currently for sale, and will arrange for you to view them. With access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), realtors® have the most up-to-date knowledge on available homes. Together, you should examine every home for its positive and negative aspects.
After you have found your ideal home, your realtor® will work with you on the process of making an offer and negotiating the right price. Your realtor® will also help you to find home inspectors, real estate attorneys and other people crucial to the buying experience. Working with your® realtor will help you establish a partnership that could yield years’ worth of rewards.