Advice For Buying A First Home
How to Signal a Real Estate Agent | Working With a Realtor

My secret advice for buying a first home involves grease. Almost everyone has heard the squeaky wheel gets the grease. In other words, to set yourself apart from the crowd, make your wishes known!

As you read the following article, you will learn how to signal your real estate agent for the best results. After all, she makes it her job to listen for your squeak.

How To Signal Your Real Estate Agent

Now that you are ready for buying a first house, learn what to expect from your real estate agent and how best to use her expertise.

You've probably heard home buyers routinely complain how their agent didn't do enough while they were buying a house. In truth, most buyers don't know what to look for from a real estate professional in order to receive the best results.

With proper homework while shopping for a Realtor, you can be assured you've located someone who will watch out for your best interests. Your agent is there to help you make better home buying decisions.

So here are some ways your real estate agent can help in the decision buying process and questions you can ask to signal when you want her assistance.

Advice For Buying A Home I - Narrow The Field

A case in point, once you have toured several properties, ask your Realtor to help you rank your choices. An experienced agent can guide you to clarify your prospects and narrow down the field.

Advice For Buying A Home II - Best Mortgage Lenders

Furthermore, the Realtor you choose can be your initial source of financial assistance. Buying a house usually requires financing. Since agents work with lenders on a daily basis, they can be your shortcut to finding dependable home loan representatives. They know the ones with a successful track history of closing loans without fire drills. Based on your particular needs, request at least two referrals of mortgage bankers.

Advice For Buying A Home III - Set Priorities

Accordingly use your agent to discuss your concerns. When it is time to make decisions it is often good to have an objective opinion. Your agent can assist you in buying a house by pointing out trade-offs and how to set priorities.

Advice For Buying A Home IV - Welcome Input

From the start explain what your housing desires are so your agent can easily point out neighborhoods, communities, and developments that seem right for you. Good real estate agents are constantly viewing property. So be sure and indicate that you welcome input.

Advice For Buying A Home V - Learn The Facts

Everybody understands buying a house is an emotional decision but it is important to know the facts too. Your agent has access to recent comparable sales, how long property has been on the market, and details regarding the area. It would be a shame not to take advantage of her expertise.

Advice For Buying A Home VI - Rewards Of Loyalty

Along these same lines, if you work with an agent closely she can alert you to property that just came on the market or perhaps is about to be listed. Leave no question in the mind of your Realtor that you intend to work only with her. Your loyalty will be rewarded.

Advice For Buying A Home VII - Assistance With Disclosures

Real estate professionals are also well versed in Seller Disclosure Statements and can help you wade through this detailed disclosure provided by sellers. This form is designed to reveal any defects regarding the desirability of the home and neighborhood. Your agent sees these disclosures routinely so be sure to request assistance.

Advice For Buying A Home VIII - Return On Upgrades

Because real estate agents see so many houses they can also be sources of advice regarding redecorating, renovating, or remodeling a particular home. We all have a tendency to spend money on upgrades that might provide little or no return. Your Realtor can provide ideas that are more likely to increase the value of your property.

Advice For Buying A Home IX - Follow Through

The best agents are adept at following the process of buying a house from your first meeting to the final close. You should expect your transaction to be followed from beginning to end.

Advice For Buying A Home X - Step By Step

From the initial process of buying a house to signing final documents, you will be assisted by many professionals. Your real estate agent is familiar with the roles of the seller's agent, lender, appraiser, escrow officer and homeowner insurance agent. Realtors are trained and equipped to coordinate this process.

Advice For Buying A Home XI - Successfully Close

In my opinion, here is what makes your agent worth her weight in gold. Because of seeing hundreds of real estate transactions a year, she is better able to anticipate problems ahead of time. Diligent agents know how to trouble shoot issues before they get out control. This is probably the most important service your agent can provide and the least obvious.

So be thankful for a successful close to the transaction. It's outstanding proof of your agent's performance.

Advice For Buying A Home XII - Stay In The Loop

Finally be sure and ask your real estate agent from the start to keep you fully informed concerning the state of your purchase. This is second nature for most Realtors. But it is okay to signal that you want to be kept in the loop at all times.

If you know what to expect from your real estate agent it should be easy to send the right signals and benefit by her advice for buying a home.

Now learn the most important decision you should make before shopping for a house. Visit Choosing A Real Estate Agent and get on the path to finding your dream home today.

Prime Real Estate Articles Tip No.46
Home Mortgage Application | Borrower Information

It seems a little silly to devote time to discussing the name to place on your Home Mortgage Application. After all, I'm quite confident you know your own name. But slow down a moment and listen. This is really important to getting your mortgage approval.

Let's assume you have used Billy Smith since you started kindergarten. Your mom knew it was easier to spell than William Harrison Smith Jr. But using nicknames in legal matters can confuse your identity.

Why You Need To Use Your Full Name

The name you designate will be used for your credit report. This is not the time to get mixed up with bad credit histories of people with similar names.

It will go on the legal documents such as the Deed of Trust and Promissory Note.

At the end of each year, the mortgage company will issue a 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement in your name for mortgage interest deductions.

So do yourself a favor and use your full legal name when you apply for your mortgage application.

Oh! One more thing. Point out unusual spellings or suffixes such as Jr. to your loan representative for a smoother home mortgage transaction.

Understanding Mortgage Applications

Take the guided tour with Kate's unique tips for filling out your home mortgage application...

Coborrower | Responsibility | Loan Type | Appraisal | Rates/Terms | Address/Units | Legal Description | Year Built | Purpose | Usage | Construction | Refinance | Title 1 | Title 2 | Fee Simple | Down Payment | Name | SS Number | Phone Number | DOB/Education | Address | Employment | Income | Housing Expense | Assets | Liabilities | Real Estate Schedule | Transaction Details | Declarations | Acknowledgement | Government Monitoring | Application Interview

View FNMA 1003

Gold Mine Of First Time Home Buyer Tips

How To Buy A House - First Time Home Buyer Information by Kate Ford

Refinancing Your Mortgage - Refi Tips by Kate Ford

Mortgage Help - How To Get A Mortgage by Kate Ford

Roadmap At Prime Real Estate Articles

Return to How To Buy A House from Advice For Buying A First Home

Back to First Time Home Buyer Tips from Advice For Buying A First Home

Tell a Friend

My website depends on your word of mouth. Spread the news about Advice For Buying A First Home with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.