Buying a house of your own is certainly one of the most significant milestones in anyone’s life. Especially if it’s your first time doing so, you will need all the help you can get. Research and asking around from friends and relatives who previously went through the entire process can only do so much – you’ll need a professional in the field to ensure that you won’t make bad decisions and to make the overall process an efficient experience.
Know that realtors are not created equal, though. You will need to find the one who will suit your real estate requirements, someone who you can work with ease. Thus, we at Heritage Realty Group prepared this list for choosing the right realtor to help you find your future home:
Establish your priorities
In imagining your ideal home, what are the most important features to you? Make a list of your absolute must-haves, then compare it with your budget. Be sure to keep it realistic so your potential realtor can put together the best choices for you.
Once it’s time to view properties, it’s essential to keep your list on hand and your priorities in mind to help you choose the right home and to determine if your agent has your requirements in mind. That’s when you know for sure that you’re working with a professional realtor.
Check online for agents in your preferred area
For most first-time homebuyers, a quick Google search on real estate agents in your area is the most basic step. Before you get overwhelmed with options, remember to check agents’ reviews and see what previous clients have to say about their experience.
Again, be sure to have your list of priorities on hand and cross-check their feedback with your needs.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or fellow professionals
If your close friends or family have previously bought real estate before, ask them about their experience with realtors they have worked with and if they enjoyed working with these experts. While it’s not yet the final deciding factor, it helps to know the qualities they liked or didn’t like about their agent. This can help inform your choices, as well. What you learn from them will be valuable once you meet with potential realtors, go through their credentials, and determine how you can get along with them.
Another set of people who can provide you with rich information about good agents to work with in your area are your go-to home service professionals – the neighborhood handymen, decorators, gardeners, or home cleaners. Since they move in the same industry as agents and realtors, they can suggest someone who fits your needs.
Consider their experience and the connection
Here’s an extra step you might want to take: Be sure to go beyond the resumé and see how your conversations flow. Gauge how well they’re able to respond to your questions and how comfortable you are asking them these questions. Establish how often you can get in touch with them whenever you have inquiries, as well as what you can expect in your working relationship moving forward.
Other points you may want to ask your potential realtor:
- How familiar are they with the area?
- What are their recommended restaurants and shopping locations?
- How far is the listing from central hubs and essential services?
- How was their most recent experience with a client?
- How long did it take for the client to select the property they fancy?
- What challenges did they encounter in the aspects of listing or client relations?
- What is their general approach in recommending properties to their clients?
Additionally, if you want to be well-prepared in your home-buying endeavor, you will want to follow these tips when you decide to visit your potential home – at least, prior to the official home inspection:
- Start from the outside. See how well the neighborhood or the landscaping has been maintained and if there’s anything in your outdoor space that may end up causing trouble when you least expect it. It could be a tree branch that’s drooping too low for comfort or the building’s apparent unstable foundation. You can also request your realtor to inquire how long it has been since the roof or gutters were checked for repairs.
- Function, then beauty. Keep an eye out for the placement of sockets throughout the house; if they’re accessible, properly set up, and how expandable they can be should the need arise. Check for potential plumbing issues, how the heating and cooling systems work, and if there are any odd spots or odors.
- How’s your cell service? As you walk through the house, be sure to check your phone’s cell reception and see how it may vary. While it’s easy enough to get a signal booster should you purchase the property, it’s also better to be informed than surprised on upgrades you’ll be needing to install.
For those interested in buying a home in Pennsylvania, get in touch with agents from Heritage Realty Group. Call us at 814.231.0101 or drop us a note here.