The Alinda Martin Team
and Pearland Real Estate
| Purchasing a home is at once an exciting and fun experience and also a time of major decision making. Buying a home is the single largest financial decision most people make in their lives. It is not surprising then that a tremendous amount of anxiety and stress is generated. It is a time when moving might be complicated by a new job, relocation to a new area and perhaps a time when you are moving away from friends and/or family.
Selecting Your Realtor. Efficient, quality service and a willingness to go the extra mile are a must in a real estate transaction. Prompt follow-up and attention to detail are important factors to look for in a REALTOR. There are sometimes hundreds of people involved in a single home purchase and your REALTOR should be a coordinator of all those events and details. Look for a knowledgeable individual with a willingness to listen and understand your needs combined with a work ethic that will serve you well during the process of locating the home of your choice. From the initial home-search through the offer and contract, on to closing and beyond, you will want someone to be with you every step of the way. Information About Brokerage Services. Before working with a real estate broker, you should know that the duties of a broker depend on whom the broker represents. If you are a prospective seller or landlord (owner) or a prospective buyer or tenant (buyer), you should know that the broker who lists the property for sale or lease is the owners agent. A broker who acts as a subagent represents the owner in cooperation with the listing broker. |
A broker who acts as a buyers agent represents the buyer. A broker may act as an intermediary between the parties if the parties consent in writing. A broker can assist you in locating a property, preparing a contract or lease, or obtaining financing without representing you. A broker is obligated by law to treat you honestly. A copy of "Information About Brokerage Services" should be furnished to you by any Realtor with whom you are working. Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the "Information About Brokerage Services" to prospective buyers, tenants, sellers and landlords. Establishing Your Needs. Determining some of the basic absolutes you would like to have in the home you purchase, combined with some of your "wish list items," is a major first step in the house-hunting process. Consider such basics as distance from work, new construction vs. resale, single family vs. townhome and numerous other influences that are important to you. The "House Hunting Priorities" page is a general guideline to help you organize some of these details. Loan Pre-Qualifying. An important tool to utilize in your home purchase process is to obtain a "pre-approval" from a mortgage lender. It will simplify your house-hunting by giving you financing options, information about possible down-payments, price ranges, terms, and funds necessary for closing. Pre-qualifying with a loan officer will also give you a distinct advantage in getting your offer accepted by a seller when you are able to provide a "pre-approval" letter from your lender. Selecting Your Home. Review your priorities and focus your home search in areas and price ranges that meet the particular needs you have established. Discuss options, likes and dislikes, needs and wants with the Realtor working with you and the hunt for your new home has well and truly begun. |
