Why Work With a Realtor®? Part 3

In addition to the advantages by Realtors® in the home-buying and selling process, here are a few others that should be mentioned:

1. Realtors ® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with a quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you've done it before, laws and regulations change. That's why having an expert on your side is critical.

2. Realtors ® provide objectivity. Since a home often symbolizes family, rest and security, not just four walls and roof, home-selling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and the emotional issues most important to you.

3. Realtors ® are members of the National Association of Realtors ®, a trade organization of more than 1 million members nationwide. Realtors ® subscribe to a stringent code of ethics that helps guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.

Why Work With a Realtor®? Part 2

So... Why do you need a Realtor®?

How about the following reasons:
1. A real estate transaction is complicated. It involves many disclosures, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A Realtor® can guide you through the entire process to make sure all i's are dotted and t's crossed.
2. What about the fact that most consumers are unprepared to even figure out market prices, much less knowing what to offer to make sure they get the property they want. With a transaction that can take up to a few months to complete, the Realtor® is a good anchor to this process.
3. How about acronyms such as PUD, HOA, CMA? What do you think they mean or require? A Realtor® can speak the real estate language and guide you through the pros and cons of all types of ownership.

Stay tuned for more in part 3.

Why work with a Realtor®? Part 1

It seems that recently the number of FSBO (For Sale By Owner) properties have gone up. When driving by these properties I always think about the reasoning behind the concept. Of course, anything is doable, provided you have the energy, the resources and the help you can get when transacting on a major asset in your life.

I always admired those homeowners with the determination to do this, and I ponder on the thought of whether these homeowners have sold a property by themselves before, or are they desperate for a true professional to come and sweep them off their feet with professionalism, integrity and the enthusiasm to get the job done?

Stay tuned for additional posts on why it is important to work with a Realtor® when buying, and ESPECIALLY when selling your property.

What's With the Real Estate Market?

Should I buy now? Why should I buy now? Prices are coming down right?

These are all questions in everyone's minds these days. With the sub-prime market struggling right now, it is surprising to many people to find out that there are still good loan programs out there for every qualified buyer. The common misunderstanding right now is that the entire mortgage market is in crisis is absolutely incorrect.

On a 30-year, fixed-rated loans of low 6% range for qualified buyers with reasonably good credit is still available, although full documentation is usually the hardest part for people to gather and present to lenders.

One thing to keep in mind is that, buying a property to call your HOME does not, and should not call for any guesswork, because a HOME is were you will rest, relax, and grow a family. So, when you can afford to buy, you buy.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts on first time home-buyer assistance program information.