Buying Your First Home ~ Part Five

At RE/MAX Lakes Area Realty, we are in the business of making dreams come true, and for a lot of people, making a dream come true involves buying your first home. In order to help you with that decision, we’ve come up with a series of articles…useful tips that will help you be prepared when buying your first home. Check back here often for the next article in the series, and be sure to subscribe to our blog and get all of the updates by email.

Tip 5: Selecting a Real Estate Agent

If you're considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate agent is the first important decision you will have to make. While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it's important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences, someone who you can respect and trust. Nearly four out of five homebuyers and sellers enlist in the help of a real estate professional or broker. Whether you're looking to buy a new home or sell the one you're in, choosing a professional who best fits your needs is vital. Here are some questions to consider when choosing an agent:

·         How long have they been a real estate professional?

·         Do they work full or part time?

·         How long have they been working in this particular area?

·         What type of homes do they usually handle?

·         How much of their business comes from repeat customers or referrals?

·         How many homes did they sell last year?

·         How often can you expect to be updated, regardless of any progress?

Above all you should choose an agent that you feel comfortable with. Your real estate professional will be your guide through the entire process of buying or selling a home, and can be a valuable resource. Make sure that whomever you select is well suited to your demands.

We’d love to hear from you and have the opportunity to discuss why one of our agents may be right for you. You may also find it worthwhile to explore our website at www.lakesrealty.com It has plenty of information to cover your real estate needs, and you can also view our agent’s profiles. Our site allows you to perform very detailed searches using search fields typically reserved only for real estate agents, so it's a great place to start.

Don't hesitate to call us at 218-963-9554 or e-mail us at remaxnsw@uslink.net with any of your real estate questions. We would be delighted to help you make the process of buying or selling a home a really smooth one.