Once you made that initial decision to buy a house, you can’t help but feel excited. You instantly go into house hunter mode. From searching homes on realty websites to paying attention to every ad or show about home remodels or design. However, it’s important to remember that buying a home is a big financial decision – likely one of the largest investments you’ll make in life.
Before you move too far along in the home-buying process, it’s important to get some help.
The Benefits of a Great Realtor
With technology today, it’s possible to find your dream home searching listings on your couch. This leaves many wondering why they even need a realtor. The truth is that a great realtor brings much more to the table than most ever realize.
Experience
Realtors that have been in the business for a longer period of time – weathering both the good and bad housing markets – will be able to provide great insight into when you should buy. They understand the market conditions in your area and this can be used to your advantage when making an offer on a home.
Negotiations
You might be surprised to learn there are different strategies when making an offer on a home. Realtors spend a great deal of time negotiating with sellers and their agent. They’ll use these skills to act on your behalf and help secure you the best deal possible.
Local Knowledge
Buying your dream home is typically about more than just the home itself. If you have children, what school district you will be living in may be important. What new construction is planned for the area? Who owns the large open field across from your home? Is it zoned commercial? You probably wouldn’t be thrilled to find out years after you bought that an office park is going in right across the street.
A great realtor will have this local knowledge and help you avoid any possible inconveniences after you purchase your home.
Connections
Realtors are connected with everyone. You probably have a few realtors within your own circle of friends. This comes to your advantage because they come equipped with knowledge. From questions about the local community and future construction to recommendations for designers and contractors – they will prove to be an invaluable resource.
Home Specifics
While you may have a set of “must haves” for your new home, there may be features of the home you haven’t considered. Will you have city water or well? Do you have a septic tank or city sewer? Does your home run on electric, gas or both? Understanding features like these may change your mind about a specific home.
Future Upgrades
Once you buy a home, upgrades or remodels should be no problem since you own the home, right? That’s not entirely true. There are many reasons why your future plans may not be possible. Perhaps there are restrictions set by the Homeowners Association. Your home may be declared a historical home and remodels must be approved by the local historical society. Or your home survey may indicate you don’t have the necessary space to put in the backyard pool you were dreaming about.
Share your future plans with your realtor to learn what is possible before you buy the home.
We’re Here to Help!
Buying a home is a big financial decision and long-term commitment. Take your time and find a great realtor that you feel comfortable with and trust.
When you’re ready to begin looking for a home, we’ll be happy to help you become pre-approved. You’ll learn how much you can afford to spend and we’ll guide you through the entire home-buying process. Stop by any branch or give us a call at 800.782.4899.
Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.