What Should Home Buyers Think About Before Contacting a Real Estate Agent?

What Should Home Buyers Think About Before Contacting a Real Estate Agent?

April 10th, 2023 | Tom Theewis

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime. With so much at stake, it’s important to do your research and think carefully about your options before you start working with a Real Estate Agent. Here are some things to consider before contacting a Realtor.

Get Pre-Approved by a Mortgage Professional 

Once you’ve gone through your checklist regarding your budget, credit, location, and type of home, regardless if you have chosen a Realtor to work with the next step is choosing a mortgage professional to work with and get working on Pre-Approval. 

To get started on your application click the following link: https://tomtheewis.floify.com/ 

Budget: Determine Your Financial Situation

Before you start looking for a home, it’s important to determine your budget. This means taking a close look at your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, savings, and credit score. Be realistic about what you can afford and what kind of mortgage you’ll be able to get.

Your budget will determine the type of home you can afford and the neighbourhoods you should consider. By setting a budget, you’ll also be able to avoid overspending and stay within your means. Check out our blog How Much House Can I Afford for a more in-depth look at how to determine your budget. 

Determining what your true credit score is can be a bit tricky, as there are sites out there like Credit Karma that don’t give you an accurate look into your true credit score for obtaining a mortgage. Check out our blog (we should write a credit score blog and what information isn’t accurate) 

Location: Consider Proximity to Work, Schools, and Amenities

The location of your home is one of the most important factors to consider. Think about how close you want to be to work, schools, shopping centers, medical facilities, and public transportation. If you have children, you may want to consider the quality of schools in the area.

Think about the type of neighbourhood you want to live in, too. Do you prefer a quiet, suburban setting or a more bustling urban environment? These factors will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect home for you.

Type of Home: Determine Your Must-Haves and Deal-Breakers

Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to determine the type of home you’re interested in purchasing. Do you want a single-family home, townhouse, or condo? Think about the size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any other specific features that are important to you.

Make a list of must-have features in a home, as well as any deal-breakers. For example, a must-have might be a large backyard or an updated kitchen, while a deal-breaker might be a home that requires significant repairs.

Research Real Estate Agents Before You Contact Them

Once you’ve determined your budget, location, and type of home, it’s time to start looking for a real estate agent. Don’t just pick the first agent you find online or in the phone book. Do your research and find an agent who has experience working with buyers in your price range and preferred neighbourhoods.

Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of an agent’s communication style, expertise, and customer service. You want to find someone who is trustworthy, responsive, and able to guide you through the home-buying process. Like shopping for a lender, shopping for a Realtor is also incredibly important. 

To sum it up,

Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s important to take the time to think about your options before you start working with a Real Estate Agent. By determining your budget, location, and type of home, as well as researching Realtors, you’ll be able to find the perfect home for you and your family. Remember, your Real Estate Agent is there to help you, so make sure you choose someone who you trust and who has your best interests at heart.