Why Should I Use a Real Estate Professional?

In today's complex and ever-changing real estate market, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever. It would take you years to amass the knowledge I as a professional have to offer you. I can save you time, money, and frustration. From knowing the market trends, to protecting your financial interests, I'm an invaluable resource to you.


What is the MLS?

MLS stands for "Multiple Listing Service." Any real estate agent that is a member of the MLS may assist a potential home-buyer in the sale of any property that is listed in the MLS. In other words, a property that is listed with Company A may be sold by one of the agents from Company B. A person wanting to buy the property listed with Company A does not have to go through Company A to make an offer on that property.

Does the MLS Benefit Sellers?

By listing their property with an agent or brokerage that belongs to an MLS, a seller is gaining maximum exposure of his/her property to the market. Each agent that is a member of the MLS is notified of the availability of that property for sale. In other words, the seller has each member of the MLS working for him/her. The seller is also exposed to my expertise as a professional CENTURY 21 real estate sales associate, and can rely on the sales associate to successfully market and sell the property. Agents take care of telephone calls, financing options, and showing the house.


Does the MLS Benefit Buyers?

Since members of the MLS can show and sell any property that is listed with the MLS, potential home-buyers can save themselves a lot of time by working with a single agent that gets to know the buyer's needs and wants. Buyers can go to one person to access information about all of the properties that he/she may be interested in, rather than going all over town to view homes that may not even meet the buyer's requirements.


When Should I Start the Loan Process?

Buyers should begin the loan process before a single offer has been made. Most, if not all, sellers are unwilling to take their property off of the market while waiting to see whether buyers can qualify for a mortgage loan. As a result, very few sellers will accept an offer to purchase without also being provided a letter of pre-approval for the buyer. To obtain a pre-approval letter, buyers should go to the mortgage department of the bank they normally use, or talk to me for suggestions.


What Are My Financing Options?

There are many methods of financing the purchase of real estate . The most common loans used are FHA, VA and conventional. However, because each person's situation is unique, and because each property is unique, it is a good idea to contact a mortgage loan specialist to discover the best "fit" for your particular situation. As a CENTURY 21 real estate professional, I can provide you with contacts that will be qualified to help you decide which type of loan will best suit your needs.


Should I List My House With a Real Estate Agency Before I Start Looking For My New Home?

Few sellers are willing to take their homes off of the market while waiting to see if your home will sell. This is especially true when you haven't even started to market your property through a real estate professional. However, when you can tell the seller that your home is in my hands, the seller knows that there is a much better chance of your home selling within a reasonable time. Letting the seller know that your home is already "under contract" is even better. This will make it much less risky for the seller to accept your offer to purchase.


How Do I Make an Offer to Purchase?

Once you have found the home you wish to purchase, I will assist you in completing all of the necessary documents. These documents include a variety of disclosures relating to the property and the people involved, and the Purchase Agreement. It is important that you ask me any and all questions that you may have about these documents. After completing the Purchase Agreement and disclosure documents, I will then present them to the seller's real estate agent. If the seller accepts your offer, you have purchased a house!


Should I Have a Home Inspection?

When you are purchasing property, whether residential or commercial, you should hire the services of a reputable and qualified inspection company. Most Purchase Agreements used by real estate professionals specifically provide for the availability of an inspection of the property. If you choose not to have an inspection of the property, you are accepting the property in its current condition. Do not confuse an appraisal with an inspection! In some cases, the appraisal may appear to be as good as an inspection. However, an appraiser never conducts a thorough home inspection. An inspection of the property you are buying should allow you to fully understand the condition of that property.

If you have any further questions, please Contact Me and we'll be more than happy to provide you with the answers you need.