First steps to buying real estate
- Maria Corbisiero
- Mar 11, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 4, 2023
The first step in buying a home is usually to determine your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much home you can afford and how much you feel comfortable spending each month based on your other life expenses. We also recommend interviewing and selecting a licensed, local real estate professional.
When hiring a real estate agent, it's important to look for someone who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you find the right property and navigate the complex process of buying or selling a home.
Here are some key factors to consider when hiring a real estate agent:
License and experience: Make sure the agent you choose is licensed and has experience in the type of transaction you're looking to complete.
Communication and responsiveness: Look for an agent who is responsive, communicates effectively, and is accessible when you need them.
Education / Teacher: The agent you decide to work with should be providing you with a good understanding of the transaction, especially when it comes to understanding the key pieces of the contract. This is the largest purchase of your life and it’s critical you have all the information to make the best decisions.
Local market knowledge: A good agent should have in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, including current trends, comparable sales, and local zoning regulations.
Network and connections: An agent with a strong network of contacts, such as inspectors, lenders, and contractors, can be invaluable in helping you find the right home or sell your property.
Negotiating skills: A skilled negotiator can help you get the best deal possible, whether you're buying or selling.
Personality and compatibility: Finally, choose an agent with whom you feel comfortable and who you feel will represent your interests effectively. You'll be working closely with this person for a significant amount of time, so it's important to find someone you can trust and who has your best interests in mind.