1. Ask how they search. Make sure your agents is going to use every means possible to find the right home for you. That means using the MLS in addition to their preferred listings.
2. Ask how they network. An experienced agent will often be part of a vast network of real estate professionals. This can sometimes help you find a home before it's even listed.
3. Exchange cell phone numbers. You should have your agents cell number in your wallet, and vice versa. You don't want to miss an opportunity simply because you couldn't be reached.
4. Use multiple channels. The more channels you use to search for a home, the better. Read the newspaper, cruise the neighborhoods, and surf the web.
5. Ask plenty of questions. Don't be shy about asking the sellers questions, if they're home.
6. Consider the commute. If you're a daily commuter, distance is a big consideration.
7. Check out the zoning. Are you surrounded by residential areas, or is there a soon-to-be-used commercial zone right across the street?
8. Research future development. Will that nice meadow down the street be a highway extension or shopping mall in two years?
9. Bring a digital camera. It's a great way to record the details of each home for later review.
10. Play home inspector, casually. The full inspection will come later, but you should at least give the "big ticket" items (roof, heating system, etc.) a glance when visiting.
11. Use your agent's experience. It might be your first offer, but your agent has probably seen dozens.
12. Plan the closing date. This will normally be agreed upon during the offer process.
13. Read up on RESPA. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act protects you from unethical lenders. Familiarize yourself with it.
14. Factor in PMI. If your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you'll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).
15. Factor in PMI. If your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you'll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). - 30331
2. Ask how they network. An experienced agent will often be part of a vast network of real estate professionals. This can sometimes help you find a home before it's even listed.
3. Exchange cell phone numbers. You should have your agents cell number in your wallet, and vice versa. You don't want to miss an opportunity simply because you couldn't be reached.
4. Use multiple channels. The more channels you use to search for a home, the better. Read the newspaper, cruise the neighborhoods, and surf the web.
5. Ask plenty of questions. Don't be shy about asking the sellers questions, if they're home.
6. Consider the commute. If you're a daily commuter, distance is a big consideration.
7. Check out the zoning. Are you surrounded by residential areas, or is there a soon-to-be-used commercial zone right across the street?
8. Research future development. Will that nice meadow down the street be a highway extension or shopping mall in two years?
9. Bring a digital camera. It's a great way to record the details of each home for later review.
10. Play home inspector, casually. The full inspection will come later, but you should at least give the "big ticket" items (roof, heating system, etc.) a glance when visiting.
11. Use your agent's experience. It might be your first offer, but your agent has probably seen dozens.
12. Plan the closing date. This will normally be agreed upon during the offer process.
13. Read up on RESPA. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act protects you from unethical lenders. Familiarize yourself with it.
14. Factor in PMI. If your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you'll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).
15. Factor in PMI. If your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you'll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). - 30331
About the Author:
Discover out more about purchasing and selling real estate by clicking on our website at: Belleville Real Estate
