Why Use a REALTOR Agent When Buying a Home?

As a REALTOR I can help you understand everything you need to know about the home buying process.

Not all real estate licensees are the same; only those who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. I proudly display the REALTOR " ®" trademark on my business cards and other marketing and sales literature.

As a REALTOR® I am committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. I subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and expect to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.

Real estate investment involves one of the biggest financial purchases of most people's lives. Transactions today usually exceed $250,000. If you had a $250,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a certified professional accountant? If you had a $250,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be wise to work with a professional REALTOR® , like me, when you are buying a home.

If you're still not convinced of the value of using me as your REALTOR®, here are some more reason:

• As your REALTOR® I can help you determine your buying power - that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give me some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, I can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you.



• As your REALTOR® I have many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market. I will take time to investigate all available properties.



• As your REALTOR® I can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. I have access to a variety of informational resources. I can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. 1) Will the property provide the environment you want for a home or investment? 2) Will the property have resale value when you're ready to sell?



• As your REALTOR® I can help you with negotiations and inspections. There are many negotiating factors for your real estate investment, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or appliances. The purchase agreement should allow time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. I can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.



• As your REALTOR® I will provide due diligence during the property evaluation. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. I can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.



• As your REALTOR® I can help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders for your real estate investment.



• As your REALTOR® I can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.