Eight Steps to Home Ownership

We're starting a new series of posts entitled "Eight Steps to Home Ownership."  These are eight useful and systematic steps to help you purchase your home. This week we focus on Step One: Choose a REALTOR®.

Step One: Choose a REALTOR®

The services of a REALTOR®  are priceless in a real estate transaction. We're not writing this because we're REALTORS® and we want your business; we're writing it because it's true! Your real estate agent is required to represent you, the buyer, in the transaction and will guide you along in the process. REALTORS® can show you any home in the Multiple Listing Service in addition to their own office listings. They will help you negotiate your offer and see you through to the completion of the sale. For the most success, pick one buyer specialist and stick with him or her. Don't hop around from REALTOR® to REALTOR®. A highly trained buyer specialist can show you any property. Finding a reliable, qualifed REALTOR® to represent you is the first and most important step in searching for a new home.

Check back next week as we discuss Step Two: Obtain a Loan Preapproval.