FAQ

BUYER TOP 10 FAQ

1. What are the advantages of buying a home?
There are many benefits such as the pride of ownership, financial appreciation, an increased sense of security, the ability to make improvements of your choice, and tax benefits.

2. Should I work with more than one Realtor at the same time?
Because all Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and all of the available listings, one Realtor with whom you feel comfortable will save you time and you won’t need to be re-qualified each time you talk with a new Realtor.

3. How should we prepare for the first meeting with our Realtor?
Decide what features you have in your present home or apartment that you would like in your next home.  You should also decide what additional features you would find appealing. Many Buyers search online and go to open houses and/or model homes to get an idea of what they like and don’t like.

4. How long should it take to find the right home?
It is the Realtor’s job to consider your needs and desires. You may be surprised to discover that you may find your next home in a matter of weeks.  It may take longer, depending on your priorities, the loan process, and the marketplace.

5. What am I supposed to do when viewing a home?
Make a list of everything that you like and don’t like.  Later, you can review this information and continue to refine your search criteria and decide which homes to keep on the “maybe” list or the ones to remove.

6. What specific things should I look for in a home?
Look for features that you really would enjoy.  Try to picture yourself, your family and your furniture in the home. Get a feel for the way the home will “live.”

7. Is it possible for us to find our dream home?
Yes, however, no house is perfect in every way.  There will always be something that is not 100% in accordance with your criteria.  A home has a multitude of advantages and features.  If you are able to get approximately 90% of those features in a specific house, that may be the one for you.

8. I’m transferring into a new city.  What do I do differently in this case?

As a transferee you should try to get a feel for the entire city and neighborhoods first.  This will help you to find an area and neighborhoods where you think you would be the most comfortable. Making a general tour of the city really helps before you meet with a Realtor and begin to look at specific houses.

9. What should I do if I have found a home that I think is the one?
If you find a house that feels right to you, you should take the appropriate steps to make an Offer.  There may be another potential buyer who also finds this house appealing and while you are delaying a decision, the other buyer could conceivably offer a purchase agreement first.  You may lose the opportunity to buy the house or you may find yourself in a multiple offer situation and end up paying more for the house than if you had not hesitated. With that said, most buyers need to see the home at least twice before determining the house is for them.

10. When should I begin to look into financing?
You should discuss your financing options and your qualification for a mortgage prior to beginning to work with a Realtor and before looking at homes.  This will give you a price range within which to work and to avoid disappointment down the road.

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