Buying a house is a daunting task. You have to organize your finances, establish a realistic budget, and get pre-approved for loans -- all before you even begin to search for the perfect house.
For first-time buyers, the process can be even more intimidating. The home buying process is lengthy, and it can be challenging to establish a starting point. Home shoppers should consider finding a real estate agent to help alleviate the challenges of the process.
Here are five ways a real estate agent can help you navigate the process, regardless of where you are in the home buying journey:
- They’re great consultants and will help you prepare for making a purchase. For consumers interested in buying a house in the coming years, it may be in your best interest to connect with a real estate agent who can help break down the process for you and help you create a five-year plan to make your home buying dream attainable. The benefit of starting the home buying process early is that you have time to speak to multiple agents to determine who would be the best fit for you. SetSchedule offers SetHello for buyers ready to be connected through a phone or video call to top-rated real estate agents in their area on-demand.
- They can help you navigate your finances. Agents are a valuable resource in breaking down the financing process for buyers. They’ll help you figure out how to apply for your FICO score, your Vantage score, and your credit score. It can be confusing to navigate all the paperwork for loans and mortgage payments, don’t hesitate to rely on your agent to help you understand the process.
- They provide their expertise to help you with your search.Once you’ve established that you are in the market for a new house, it can be overwhelming to find the right neighborhood or a place with all the amenities you deem necessary. Real estate agents are vital in narrowing down your search; they know how to navigate listings to find the right house for you and provide all the resources you need about your new neighborhood. Agents provide market insights to determine what constitutes a fair price. They know how to navigate listings to find the right house for you and provide all the resources you need about your new neighborhood.
- They can coordinate open houses and negotiate with the seller’s agent. As you find houses that pique your interest, you may want to go on-site and get a feel for the property. Your agent will be able to coordinate with the seller’s agent to schedule viewings or open houses so that you can see what amenities are available. If you decide to put an offer in for a house, your agent is key to negotiating closing prices with the seller’s agent.
- They are your point of contact for all negotiations and paperwork. Now that you’ve put an offer in for a house, your agent can help you negotiate the final price, refer you to inspectors, and walk you through all the paperwork. They will be there to facilitate all the negotiations and make sure that the process goes smoothly.
Real estate agents do more than show you listings. It is always best to speak to a real estate agent as soon as you know the time frame for making a purchase. They will make the home buying process as streamlined and efficient as possible. They are crucial to ensuring that you are prepared to make your home buying dreams a reality.
