Buying a House? Your 3 Most Important Advisors Are…
The purchase of a new home is one of the biggest purchases that most people ever make. The process can be overwhelming – so it’s important to make sure that you are working with the right people.
Here are the three most important advisors to have on your team:
1. Mortgage Agent
It’s a great idea to speak with a mortgage agent before starting your house hunt. A good mortgage agent will help you to determine how much you can afford to buy – before you begin shopping. A good mortgage agent will also help you to understand the buying process and the additional costs involved in buying a home so that you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises moving forward. Make sure that you are working with an agent who is prepared to take the time to answer your questions, and provide you with the information that you need to guide you through the financing of your new home, while also giving you access to the best mortgage rates available on the market.
2. Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent is an invaluable asset in guiding you through the purchase of your new home. Your real estate agent should be able to advise you about the homes you are looking at, and the areas that you are considering purchasing in. In addition, your real estate agent is most likely the person who will be putting together your offer, so it’s important that they understand the contract – and are able to walk you through it and answer your questions! A good realtor should be well informed, easily accessible, and responsive to your specific needs.
3. Real Estate Lawyer
Most people don’t really know what a real estate lawyer does, but trust me – it’s important. Your real estate lawyer is the person who makes sure that you are actually getting what you’ve agreed to buy. Choosing a real estate lawyer because they offer you the lowest fees is not necessarily the best choice. While many real estate transactions can be fairly routine, you want to be sure that if something goes off the rails, you are working with a lawyer who knows how to deal with the issues. Ask your real estate lawyer how much of their practice is based in real estate law – if it’s only a small portion of their practice they may not be equipped with the knowledge and experience that you need to walk you through the potential pitfalls. You also want to make sure that you can access your lawyer (and not just their law clerk or legal assistant) if and when you have questions. Remember – just like with every other profession, not all lawyers are made the same. Take the time to make sure you are partnering with a real estate lawyer who is going to provide you with the highest level of service and advice.
Having a trusted team of advisors behind you on the purchase of your new home will help to ensure that you have a smooth and successful purchase experience!