1)    Where do I find the right information?

The internet is a wonderful resource for home buyers, but interpreting the information is the difference in buying the right house at the right price or not.  A picture is worth a thousand words, but a Realtor will turn information into useful knowledge for you.

2)    What is the right mortgage?

With the mortgage meltdown over the last year, all the rules have changed.  It used to be easy to know how much home you could afford, but not anymore.   Guidelines for income, credit score and market conditions have all contributed to making the process more difficult.  Don’t go searching for a house before you have been pre-approved by a mortgage professional. You may be in for a surprise.

3)    Is this the right house?

Searching for the right home can take time.  Hopefully you are not pressured to be in a house by a certain time because you will need to buy the house available that best fits your needs.  Ideally, you will do a thorough search in your target area and get the right house.  You’ll know it when you see it.  You’ll start putting your furniture in the rooms and imagine the changes you want to make. It’s a great feeling.

4)    Did we negotiate to get the best deal?

Now that you’ve found the right house, the fun begins.  You’ve got to make an offer based on what you want to pay.  If the seller wants you to pay more, is that a good idea or should you counter again? Then there is the inspection, do you ask for everything?  What if the seller doesn’t want to do what you ask?  This is where your Realtor can help you decide what is important to you getting the house.

5)    When will it be over so I can relax?

Finally, you find the house you want, after looking at 20 or more.  You negotiate the right price and get the financing you want. Then, you move all those boxes and get them unpacked.  If you use the right Realtor that has the right connections, you’ll have plenty of energy left over to start enjoying your new home immediately! Choosing the right Realtor makes the difference.