Buyer's Guide
The following is an outline of a typical home purchase. Read on to see how Home Buyer Agents can help make owning your dream home a reality easier than ever.
Knowledge is Power
- Renting is NOT always cheaper than owning your own home.
- In some cases, starter costs to rent may be about the same as a down payment.
- You do not have to be a permanent resident of the United States to own a home.
Choosing a Real Estate Professional
- Make certain your agent is representing you. Only Exclusive Buyer's Agents such as Home Buyer Agents can guarantee no conflict of interest because we never represent the seller.
- Beware of the "One Stop Shop". If your agent is recommending title companies, lenders and other vendors, ask them up front to disclose in writing specifically what income they are getting from that relationship. Many large real estate companies make as much income from referrals as they do from the purchase transaction itself. Home Buyer Agents never accepts referral fees from title companies, lenders, etc. and so can guarantee no conflict of interest.
- Make certain your agent is experienced and up-to-date. Contracts, real estate laws and the market itself are always changing. You need an agent who is experienced and keeps on top of all aspects of real estate.
- Make certain your agent utilizes new technologies to save you time and money. The internet has changed the way buyers find homes. Nearly every listed home is available to preview via internet or email before spending even one minute driving around with your agent.
- In a strong "buyers' market" sellers often offer extra incentives to get agents to show their property and try to sell it. Incentives can be anything sellers choose to offer to the buyers' agent from increased commission to trips to Hawaii. Home Buyer Agents fully discloses and passes these incentive offers along to the buyer.