First Time Homebuyers

You’ve been going to open houses on Sunday, driving by homes you see for sale and looking on home search apps.  It’s the ultimate window shopping experience!  However, you feel you are now ready to take the leap and buy your first home.  This can be one of THE most exciting times of your life, but also one of the most stressful.  You’re about to make the biggest purchase you’ve ever made.   Window shopping was fun, but waiting for an open house can take time, you may not want to spend your Sunday afternoon looking and not all homes that go on the market have an open house right away.

NEXT STEPS….

So what should be your first step?  The first step you should take is to consult with a licensed real estate agent in your area.   There are several reasons why.

1. Your real estate agent is familiar with the areas in which you are looking.  We know about the schools, types of homes, average prices of homes and can direct you to additional information about the area–such as crime rates and sex offender registries.
2. Your real estate agent likely has relationships with local lenders.   You may have gone online and searched for national real estate lenders, in order to get pre-approved for a home loan.  However, many national lenders may not know the specifics of your local area.  For example, here in Kansas, we have special taxes–in addition to property taxes.  This could be missed by a lender that is not familiar with your local market.  Your agent will be able to refer you to several lenders and can advise you to shop around for rates and fees.
3. Your real estate agent has knowledge of the current market.  You like the house on 123 Main St, but you aren’t sure if the listing price is low, average or if it has been listed on the high side. And you don’t know what a fair offer is. Your agent can perform a comparative analysis of the neighborhood and inform you on what would be a fair price to offer.
4. Your real estate agent will be working for you and your best interests.  When you walk into an open house or you call the number on the for sale sign, you are communicating with the company that represents the seller.  You will want someone on your side that will help you feel confident in the home buying process and will put your interests above that of the seller.
5. Your real estate agent has access to all listed properties in your area.   Your agent will have access and information on all listed (and at times unlisted) properties and can give you the inside scoop.   They can set up an automatic search based on the criteria you need, such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, area, type of home, etc.  Agents also will be on the lookout for a home that you may have not noticed and can recommend something that you may have also not considered.  It’s our job to get to know our clients and their needs,
6. Your real estate agent is there with you every step of the way.  Whether you are putting in an offer on a house or wanting to get an inspection set up for the house you are in contract for, your agent is there to help you.  We, as agents, are there to make this process as easy as possible for you.  That way, you can concentrate on your family, your work and getting ready to move into your new home.

These are just a few reasons you should consider hiring a real estate agent.  There are many more! Being a real estate agent is not just a career, but in my opinion, it is a service.  I have always felt that I am here to serve the needs of my clients and their family.  If you are considering buying your first home, I would be honored to be a part of this exciting time of your life.