Advice for Buyers

If you are like almost 90% of all potential buyers, you have looked at many properties online. So now here are some valuable tips:

1. Choose your Realtor® wisely. Interview several and make sure she/he has knowledge of the market you are interested in;
    
2. Define your goals carefully: what are you trying to accomplish?
    
3. Think through issues surrounding any property: the commute, the condition of the property in various seasons, the nature of the neighborhood, remember--  the negatives that will also impact resale.
    
4. Trust your Realtor®! If you have chosen someone knowledgeable, intelligent, Internet and tech-savy and committed to the process of finding you the best property, LISTEN, ask questions!
    
5. Make a commitment yourself to doing your own research, finding out about various neighborhoods and towns, and becoming an informed consumer.

What Do I Look For Choosing A Realtor?

A wise and careful choice of  a Realtor®  will determine your entire selling experience.

1. Look for a proven agent who is known and respected in her/his marketplace. Your Realtor ® experience will give you an edge on your competition.
    
2. Interview several agents and ask pointed questions about their experience, their view of the market and their skills each brings to this transaction.
    
3. Listen carefully to how they present themselves.
    
4. Look for an intelligent, focused, energetic and enthusiastic personality. Choose someone you think is compatible with your goals. It is important that you work well as a team with your Realtor®.

Types of Mortgages

When you present yourself as a buyer, a seller wants to understand how you are going to buy his property.

Because of the dizzying and changing array of options, consulting a mortgage professional  is imperative. The type of mortgage you choose..with a fixed or variable rate, insured by a government agency or not, with options to pay only the interest due for a time, and the length of the loan itself, are all considerations. Some guidelines are:

1. Be sure you understand the options clearly;
    
2. When considering a loan, take into account how long you think you will be in this property, what your personal budget is for housing so that you do not over-extend yourself, and be sure you undersand all the charges that go with whatever loan you are considering.
    
3. Shop your loan and your mortgage professional! Compare not only the loan itself, but also the individual who is representing it to you. Look for knowledge, clarity, and your own comfort level.