For most people, a home purchase is the biggest single investment of their lives. Therefore, it is extremely important for a prospective buyer to use great caution in selecting a home and is extremely helpful to have a real estate agent by your side to advocate for you and that can help to navigate the complexities that come with purchasing a home.
A house may seem to be ideal in appearance and cost, but it may contain hidden defects that detract from its value. This may be true not only of the house’s appearance and construction, but also of the title to the land on which it is located. For example, a right-of-way over the land may permit someone to drive across the property, zoning regulations that permit the construction of a factory or commercial building on an adjacent lot, or private restrictions affecting the use or ownership of the property or imposing monetary assessments. It is possible that a title problem may prevent a later sale of the property or be very expensive to remove.
The REALTORS® of AO Real Estate, LLC are here to answer any of your questions about the buying process. Please CONTACT US TODAY
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Why Use A REALTOR® when purchasing a home?
- Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices.
- Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
- Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
- Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
- Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
- Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
- Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
