Q. I'm not sure what I want to buy? What do I do?

A. Write a wants & needs list. Buyers are often disappointed because they are looking for the "perfect" house. By developing a practical list, you increase your chances of finding several homes that meet your needs. A home is an investment, so get the most for what you can afford now. It will appreciate over time and you can always move up as your financial ability grows. An agent can also help you in assessing your needs.

Q. What are the steps in the buying process?

Step 1: Get Pre-qualified, and if possible, pre-approved. Your lender will help you determine how much you can afford. Stay within your price range as you are looking at homes. When you find your home and an offer is presented, the sellers will consider your offer more seriously if you are pre-qualified or pre-approved.
Step 2: Hire an experienced agent to assist you. An agent will begin to search for properties that meet your needs and wants. They will email, fax, call or mail you the information, show you the home, write up the offer, present it and once under contract coordinate the escrow.
Step 3: Be prepared to write up a non-contingent offer. If you have a property that you need to sell, it should be in escrow waiting to close or already sold and closed.
Step 4: Be flexible to look at properties at any time. Hot properties sometimes sell in less than 24 hours.

Q. Why use a Real Estate Buyers Representative?

A. Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction. In the majority of cases the seller will be represented by an agent. Every buyer deserves to have complete and fair representation in the real estate transaction. An agent can be an excellent representative .
The real estate buyer agent is responsible in protecting their clients' best interests. Research by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has shown that when a buyer agent is used, the prospective buyer found their home one week faster and examined three more properties than those consumers who did not use a buyers agent.

Q. What is a REALTOR® and how do I select one?

A. First, it is important that the real estate agent you select is a REALTOR®. Not every agent is a REALTOR®. To be a REALTOR®, you must be a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® This subjects REALTORS® to a strict Code of Ethics. To tell if an agent is a REALTOR®, look for the big R on a real estate agent’s card. You may have to search for the right fit when selecting your agent. When "shopping" for a REALTOR® , ask about any professional designations they may hold. Designations are an indication that the REALTOR® has made extra effort to become knowledgeable and professional.
You may wish to contact a local association of REALTORS® in the area you are located to see if they may have a referral process, refer to the Yellow Pages, contact the Chamber of Commerce, or ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations.

Q. What happens if I sell my house first and can't find a new home?

A. The changes of this happening are slim. If it does happen, however, temporary housing (a short term rental) is available. Unfortunately, when you commit to make a move, you have to go for it! It’s a little tricky because on your re-purchase, few sellers will even look at an offer unless your existing house has an accepted offer and IS IN ESCROW! Sold and closed is even more desirable.
When an offer is presented, you have the option of asking for a longer close (60 days) or a 30 or 45-day rent back after a quick close (you rent your home from the new buyers after close of escrow and make payments to them). This gives you enough time to locate your new home, write up an offer and close escrows concurrently. You can see the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced agent. You need guidance through these delicate transitions.