Four Reasons Why You Should Always Tour a Home With Your Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent will represent you when you are ready to buy a home. Real estate agents are trained professionals who must qualify for a state license to represent buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property. You do not pay the agent. Sellers pay a commission to the listing agent who shares the funds with the buyer’s representative. 

Your Real Estate Agent Knows Your Qualifications

A home may be your biggest investment. Your agent knows that you qualify for a loan based on several factors including your income. They understand the limits of your qualifications and budget. You may need to sell your existing home or other property. The agent understands the intricacies of a contingent offer, when necessary.

You Will See Homes Within Your Price Range with an Agent

Your real agent will show you homes within your price range and explain various forms of financing. The agent can show you HUD homes, fixers, and possible foreclosures if that works with your budget. They can also show you existing properties, new homes, and those under construction.

Home sellers usually do not want someone coming into their home unless they are accompanied by a real estate agent who makes an appointment or informs them of the visit. Sellers have a special door lock available only to agents. Most agents showing a property will alert the homeowner or the listing agent.

You may be tempted to walk through an open house on your own. The real estate agents who are in charge of the open house may try to persuade you to use their services. It is not in your best interest to have an agent who represents both the seller and the potential buyer.

Agents are Familiar with the Properties They Show You

Agents are familiar with homes, including condominiums, that are on the market. A professional real estate agent will know the condition of the properties they show you. This is critical since you may not know that the home you like has leaks in the basement or that it needs a new roof. Agents can point out both the positive and negative aspects of the property. They know the age of the home, potential taxes, and the local utilities. Your agent also knows about any possible special assessments for water and sewer districts.

They are also knowledgeable about homeowner associations in different housing and condominiums communities. Agents can explain the concept of codes and restrictions of many homeowner associations. This can cover items such as street parking, landscaping, and the use of community facilities. The agent is also familiar with the homeowner or condo owner’s dues.

Your agent will give you an honest evaluation of the property and the neighborhood. This is necessary if you are new to a community and the different neighborhoods. The agent knows about the schools, public transportation, shopping, and other services in the area that is new to you.

Your Offer is Presented by a Professional

Your agent represents you when you make an offer on a property. Agents know how to draw up the correct paperwork for an offer. They are familiar with the contract details that could confuse someone without a representative.

A good agent will tell you if they think your offer is acceptable. They will negotiate with the seller’s agent. Your agent will recommend a starting price for your offer and a realistic range if you need to offer more. 

Your agent will also explain about earnest money deposits, the escrow process, property title searches, and closing costs. 

Contact us at Signature Properties Group in the Philadelphia area. We are a boutique real estate company familiar with all listed properties in the Chester and Montgomery counties. We also serve part of Delaware County and Philadelphia. Our company is always happy to work with people who are new to this area.