The five things you need to know before purchasing a home. Part 3 - Should I Hire a Real Estate Agen
Once you are pre-approved for a home loan, you can begin looking at homes. You will need a real estate agent to assist you in your search. But how do you choose the right one? Some agents try to earn your business by promising to always return your phone calls. You need an agent that will do more than that. The right agent will add value to your search for a new home. You need an agent that will empower you.
The right agent will empower you by educating you. Ask any prospective real estate agent these questions:
• How many properties were sold in the last month? In the last six months?
• What was the average price?
• What was the average price per square foot?
• What was the sale price-to-list price ratio?
• How many days have the properties currently for sale been on the market?
Being an area expert, the right agent will educate you on the local market conditions so you can make an informed decision. He will show you the latest market statistics and help you identify the best deals in the current market.
Once you have found a home, the right agent will then guide you through all of the technical aspects of the transaction, from making an offer to applying for a home loan to closing on your new home, so you will always know where you stand every step of the way. The right agent will always return your phone calls, but he will do so much more for you—he will transform you into an empowered, knowledgeable homeowner.
