10 Steps in Home Buying – STEP 2: Commit to a Realtor
10 Steps in Home Buying – STEP 2: Commit to a Marin Modern/San Francisco Modern Realtor
Home Buying: Call or Email a Realtor Today
The home buying process is unique and should be customized to your specific and personal needs and wants. Engaging a Realtor early on will get you started down the right path for your home buying journey.
97% of home buyers today start their search online and spend anywhere from a few weeks to several years researching and planning before contacting a Realtor. This is totally normal but when your ready to move from looking at pretty kitchens and dreaming about your next home to putting together a solid game plan and timeline your ready to engage a Realtor.
Every single home buyer has a unique set of circumstances driving their home buying process. There isn’t one perfect way to start your home search but engaging a Realtor early on in the process will save you a lot of time, frustration and guesswork.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN A REALTOR IS THE RIGHT ONE TO HELP ME WITH THE HOME BUYING PROCESS?
There is no single perfect Realtor. There are literally 100’s of excellent Realtors that work in Marin and San Francisco. The key to finding the perfect Realtor for you is finding someone you trust and like. When considering a Realtor to work with and help you find your next home google them, read reviews, bios, check out past sales, read their blog, etc to get a better idea of who they are and how they work. If what they have to say resonates with you and it’s supported by excellent client reviews then you will likely enjoy working with them on your home buying process.
WHEN HOME BUYING WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO FIND A REALTOR YOU LIKE AND TRUST?
Why is it so important to find a Realtor you like and trust? Because you want someone who will be honest and straightforward with you. You want a Realtor that puts you and your needs first and never tries to push you or talk you into purchasing a home that is not the perfect home for you. Also, it can take anywhere from 1 -2 months to find the perfect home or up to 2 years. You want a Realtor that will guide you through the process, coaching you along the way to avoid frustration and burn out.
I find starting a conversation with buyers via email gives us both a chance to get to know each other, ask questions and establish a relationship before talking on the phone. If you don’t like what you hear or are not “feeling it” you can politely decline and move on to another agent.
WHY ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH A REALTOR EARLY ON IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS IS BENEFICIAL
Whether via email or on the phone, engage your Realtor early on. Even up to a year in advance of when you plan to buy your home. I can’t tell you how many times I have had potential clients email me or call and say, “I am just starting my search, probably 1-2 years out so I don’t want to waste your time”. Buyers – stop saying this! It’s a process and I am always happy to provide assistance in the early stages.
My clients have found that starting to work with me early on gives them a chance to get to know me and establish a relationship. It allows them to feel comfortable sending a quick email when they need a question answered or are curious about a home. Engaging your Realtor early on also takes the pressure off and gives you a go to person for information during the early stages of home buying. Plans often change so better to commit to a Realtor you like and trust in case your timeline moves up.
The reality is the home buying process is different for every buyer. A good Realtor will work with you to move through that process whether it takes two months or two years and during that time your Realtor will educate you, help you identify what is important to you and guide your towards finding your perfect home!
Reminder of the 10 Steps:
- Establish A Budget
- Commit to a Marin Modern/San Francisco Modern Realtor
- Obtain Loan Pre-Approval
- Preview Homes
- Make an Offer
- Negotiate towards ratification
- Inspection Contingency
- Appraisal/Loan Contingency
- Sign/Fund/Close or Record
- Collect the Keys and Enjoy!
Now you are ready for Step 3 – Obtain Loan Pre-Approval. Coming soon…