SIX STEPS TO BUYING A HOME IN 2013

Six steps to Buying a Home in 2013

 

Step Three – Select a Real Estate Agent

 

Buying a home can be time-consuming and stressful.  A good real estate agent can do much of the legwork for you and help to make the process fun and memorable.  Here in the Triangle, there are more than 22,000 homes available for sale.  That’s a lot of choice!  The key is finding the right agent who will respond to your needs. 

 

First, ask your friends who they used and if they were satisfied.   Beware of part-time agents who aren’t always available to you because they usually have another job.  Look for a full-time agent.  You want someone who is out there all day, every day and knows what is going on in the market.

 

Did you know that here in North Carolina, all real estate brokers work for the seller?  Until you sign a Buyers Agreement with them, that is – then they work for you.  A good agent will explain this to you and will review the required “Working with Real Estate Agents” pamphlet.  

 

Expect a home-buying education, not a scripted sales pitch. Competent agents help their buyers to think clearly as the home-buying process unfolds. For example, if a house is a good buy, your agent might suggest you look past the dated wallpaper and paneling and look at the space and structure instead. Likewise, a cute house with curling shingles and too much deferred maintenance may not be worth the asking price. Or if you decide to buy with the intention of building an addition, the agent should advise you to check the zoning before making an offer. 

 

Keep in mind:  agents here in NC cannot comment on what is a “good” neighborhood.  We cannot discriminate by family, race, color, national origin, sex, religion and must abide by Fair Housing Laws. 

 

When you have narrowed your choice to one or two agents, schedule time to visit with each of them and assess their personalities.   Determine their knowledge of the area and ask them questions about their expertise.  Happy customers = good referrals.  Ask for a list of referrals.  You will know that you have found ‘the one’ because you will feel comfortable with them.  This is important as you are likely to spend a considerable amount of time with that person.

 

Agree to sign a buyer's agency agreement after you have met with an agent. Some people sign an agency agreement after attending a showing given by the agent. Working with a seller's agent is a mistake -- any information you reveal will become leverage that the seller can use in a purchase negotiation. If you go to open houses, do not discuss anything with the agent there about your budget, moving timeline, or other financial information.  That agent does not work for you.  A buyer's agent is legally required to maintain your confidentiality, disclose material facts to you and maintain loyalty to you.

 

For this reason, if you call me and want to buy one of my listings, I will refer you to another agent so that there is no confusion as to who is representing whom.  Do you really think your agent can be fair and unbiased when their first obligation is to help the sellers get the best price for their home?

 

How is your search going?  Getting tired of sitting up late at night clicking through sites that have outdated information?  Wishing for the advice of a trusted and knowledgeable advocate?  Call me and let’s chat. 

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Scott, Realtor®, Broker
e-PRO, Strategic Pricing Specialist

Fathom Realty NC, LLC       
Phone: 919.306.9699
TheSmartRealtorNC@gmail.com

www.Elizabeth.FathomRaleigh.com
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