Thursday, October 11, 2012

Engaging A Real Estate Agent Saves You Cash


Why should you use a real estate agent? With their intimate knowledge of the realty field, they can save you money in many ways.
Are you searching for a new home? It is perfectly fine to do some searching on your own. You can drive around residential neighborhoods and find houses that you find attractive. Search realtors online listings.
Why not just contact the realtor who listed the house? They have a vested interest in selling the house and representing interests of the seller. You need to engage a realtor who will represent your interests as the buyer. They will take advantage of the latest computer technology to find your dream home.
When Buying a Home, a Realtor's Services are Free
The good news is that this will not cost you anything. The seller will pay your realtor, as both realtors will divide the commission.
A Knowledgeable Realtor Has an Intimate Knowledge of the Neighborhood
A knowledgeable realtor will understand the advantages and disadvantages of living in a particular neighborhood. They will know whether the neighborhood is being improved or is in decline. Perhaps a commercial development is planned nearby that will affect the neighborhood adversely. These factors significantly affect property value.
It is usually best to have your realtor negotiate price and terms for you. They are skilled in diplomacy, which is needed when negotiating with owners who have a lot of emotional ties to their home.
A Realtor Guides You Through the Complicated Home-buying Process
Your realtor will guide you through the entire home-buying process. You will need an inspection by a certified home inspector. The inspection will reveal any hidden defects that would affect the safety and value of the home. The structural integrity, roofing, electric service, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, insulation and appliances will be checked. You will receive a detailed written report.
Oft-neglected Radon Testing is Essential
If the home is in a radon-prone area, it needs to be tested for radon. Radon gas is an invisible, radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is present in the outside air and often reaches unsafe levels inside homes. Remediation techniques can reduce the gas to acceptable levels.
A Realtor Can Often Assist in Finding Sources of Financing
Are you having trouble finding financing for the purchase? Often, a realtor has knowledge of alternate sources of financing. Sometimes, property may be purchased under a land contract or lease agreement with option to buy. In this depressed real estate market, sellers may be amenable to these types of sales.
Under a land contract, a modest down payment is made by the buyer. Monthly payments are made for a fixed term. The balance is amortized like a mortgage. Ownership is transferred to the buyer when full payment is made. The buyer carries insurance on the property, which protects both buyer and seller. Maintenance is the buyer's responsibility.
The lease purchase method is similar, but the buyer does not commit to the purchase until the lease expires.
Your personal real estate agent can save you money every step of the way by guiding you to the least-costly method of achieving your goal.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7319839

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