Kathy & Ben
Find a REALTOR® to Work With
{[}]Recently we wrote about the First Step in Buying a Home in Metro Atlanta, choosing a lender. OK, now you have spoken with lenders and know what you can spend to purchase a house so where do you go from there. The 
second step is finding a REALTOR to represent you in your home purchase. Someone that will help you find your dream home and guide you thru the purchasing maze. Someone that will listen and help you determine what is important in your home. Someone that will help you create a realistic idea of the property you want.{[}]{[}]Your real estate agent should:{[}]
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- Locate properties that match your specific wants and needs
- Research properties you are interested in, identify any issues or problems that you should consider
- Accompany you in viewing properties
- Help you develop a negotiating strategy when you find your dream home
- Provide a list of qualified vendors – inspectors, attorneys, etc. – for other related services
- Work with your lender
- Keep track of all the details throughout the entire transaction
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Agent That Specializes in the Area
{[}]Find an agent that specializes in the area you want to live. Working with someone who knows the area will save t time and energy. They will be able to tell you about shopping areas, traffic patterns, and schools.{[}]
Works With a Buyer’s Agent
{[}]Last and certainly not least you want to work with a buyer’s agent – someone who is representing you. Someone that will put your interest before anything and everything. Buyer’s agent is also referred to as buyer’s representation, buyer brokerage, and buyer agency. Ask agents you interview for their buyer brokerage agreement for review – do they stipulate things they will do or not do? Ask questions about when they work? Are they available in the evening or do they turn off their phone at 6pm? If you are not going to be available during the day due to your work schedule, you want a buyer’s agent this is accessible in the evening. Ask about team members or backup assistance. What happens if your buyer’s agent is in bed with the flu for a week, do they have someone to take your calls or show you homes? By asking the questions you’ll know what to expect from your buyer’s agent.{[}]{[}] {[}]{[}]