"The Perfect Home Does Not Exist. Buying A Home Involves Compromise"
TEN COMMON HOME
BUYER MISTAKES
- Looking at homes before you are
prequalified and know what price you can afford.
- Assuming that if you don't have 20
percent cash down payment, buying a home is impossible.
- Working with an out-of-area agent who
does not know the local market.
- Failing to read and understand the
purchase agreement before you sign it.
- Failing to have a property inspected.
- Assuming your real estate agent is a mind
reader.
- Proceeding through the home buying
process blindly with a "wake me when it is over" attitude.
- Underestimating the amount of cash you
will need to close the sale.
- Applying for a loan with a lender who
offers the lowest rates in town even though your real estate agent tells you
the lender is flaky.
- Refusing to make an offer because there
are multiple offers on the property from other buyers, and you don't want to be
in competition.
PROFILE OF A GREAT
REAL ESTATE AGENT
- A good listener who responds to your
needs and desires.
- Always answers your phone calls promptly
and shows up for appointment on time.
- Can establish rapport with anyone.
- Can help people make decisions without
pressuring them.
- Has years of experience successfully
helping people buy and sell homes.
- Is enthusiastic with boundless energy and
stamina.
- Gets the job done, no matter what.
- Is honest and caring.
- You always feel at ease in the agent's
presence.
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Selling Your Home >The Best Real Estate Agents
The best real estate agents in today's marketplace are becoming even better about marketing the homes they list to the public, as well as to other agents who have potential buyers.
When you are interviewing prospective real estate agents to help you sell your home, ask how they find buyers. In the past, a "For Sale" sign would go into the ground, the basic information went into the Multiple Listing Service, and then there was an occasional Sunday classified ad and an "open house". If the house did not sell right away, the agent might recommend a price reduction.
Agents today are much more sophisticated and pro-active about getting people into their homes. They rely on computers, direct mail, telemarketing, and just plain clever ideas that no one else has tried. Ask prospective listing agents for two things--a written analysis of what is happening with housing prices in your area and a marketing plan which outlines how they would get your home from "For Sale" to "Sold".
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| Q |
Where will you find the world's largest indoor waterfall?
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| A |
The lobby of the International Center in Detroit, Michigan has a waterfall of 114 feet, backed by 9,000 square feet of marble. |
See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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