If you are a buyer

In today's busy, complex world, purchasing a home can be a lot more time-consuming and complicated than other business transactions. First-time buyers, especially, quickly discover that there's a lot more to buying real estate, than deciding what vacation to take or what car or suit to buy.

Using a REALTOR from the start can provide you with the sound , effective advice and professional services you need to get the best deal possible. Once a REALTOR has a clear understanding of what you want and what you can afford, their knowledge can save you a lot of time looking at homes that aren't right for you.

A REALTOR can pre-screen properties so that you should only have to visit a handful of homes to make an informed and wise selection.

Much of the early search with a REALTOR can be done through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and preliminary discussions. As you visit and react to each home you see, the REALTOR will have an increasingly better idea of what you want and don't want. A REALTOR will also be able to advise you on the various options available for financing a home and tell you when to bring in other experts such as a lender, home inspector, lawyer and insurance agent.

Once you have found a REALTOR you feel comfortable with, you may be asked to sign a "Buyer Agency Contract" (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). (Please see the copy provided on this site) Your REALTOR will explain the details of your specific agreement.



The comments contained on this site are for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.