Q. What is the smartest thing to do first when Buying a home.
A. This may sound self indulgent, but it's the honest truth. You should actually locate a top realtor professional in the area you are considering. Do this by asking friends and other professionals you trust and interview the candidates. The reason you should do this first?
An excellent realtor can save you tons of time and lead you right to the best areas of town that contain the type of homes you are looking for. Even if you think you know the area well enough - there may be new products on the market or neighborhoods very similar to what you are looking for that you weren't aware of etc.
In addition - a top realtor will direct you to get pre-approved and can refer you to a trustworthy local mortgage lender with the best rates and programs. Not only that - he can also provide referrals to the best home inspectors, the best home warrantly companies, the lowest cost/best coverage insurance carriers, the best title companies, real estate attorney etc.
Many Buyers think they are saving themselves money by not hiring an agent to represent them - thinking that if they don't have a realtor - the seller will pay less commission - therefore will knock more off the price. The truth is - the Seller's commission is the same whether the Buyer has an agent or not. Many times the listing agent will pocket the whole 6%! So if you want the guy who doesn't represent you in the transaction (the listing agent - or the new home sales rep.) to make twice as much as he would make otherwise - and further incentivize this person to do whatever it takes to get you to the closing table - then don't hire your own agent. By the way - will the listing agent be completely honest with you when it comes to comparable sales, repairs - and potential for appreciation? Why take the risk? Hire your own agent - and have peace of mind.
Mark Fuller is an Expert Luxury Home Buyer's Representative Spcializing in the sale and marketing of Luxury Homes in the Houston Texas area. He can be reached at the following places:
Email: Homes@markfuller.net
Direct Office - 713-470-2161