Strategic Points Group: Buying Homes: Realtors can be a resource

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If you are represented by a real estate agent who has fallen asleep at the wheel because you happened to buy a new home that's being built, you may want to wake her up. There is much he or she could (should) be doing while your home is being built.

Sure, finding just the right house for you may have been time consuming if your agent did the homework to narrow down the search to only homes that fit your criteria. And sitting with you through the purchase agreement and signing may have been very supportive. But what happens now that you have signed the dotted line? The house goes up, and you don't hear from your smiling Realtor until the walk-through, when they miraculously appear to get credit for everything?

It's common for an agent to handle some tasks during the home's construction that could benefit you and make you feel better about their compensation plan. Here are some ways your real estate agent can help you through your home purchase. He or she can:

Help set up a lender appointment and accompany you to that appointment, if you wish. Realtors are familiar with the paperwork vital to getting a good loan approval. They can arrange for the copying and hand carrying of documents required by the lender, title company, appraiser, etc. They can help find alternate lenders with which to run your loan application.

Your agent can help you with design choices. It can be ruff sifting through the hundreds (sometimes thousands) of design center choices. Prudent decisions on what upgrades and options are truly necessities, what would add significantly to the home value should you need to sell it someday.

Gather information on schools, utilities and other services in the area. Your Realtor should be (or make it their business to quickly become) an expert in the area in which you decide to purchase. they could also visit the City Planners office and check to see what developments may be planned for your area, make sure there is room in the schools for your kids, or find the location of daycare facilities.

Getting domestic help. Will you need a gardener, housekeeper, or babysitters? Agents generally have networks of clients they have assisted in finding these helpers, and may be able to put you in touch fast.

Meet you at the site for a walk-through. Most builders have their buyers confirm locations of electrical or plumbing and critical items before drywall goes up. Your agent can be there to help both you and the superintendent with your requests or suggestions before it's too late. If you have enlisted a building inspector to take a look at the home, your agent may also coordinate that appointment and communicate the results.

Visit the property and report progress to you. You may want to have your agent check in with you every now and then to let you know what has taken place at the construction site, especially if you are not living close by. He or she can take pictures of the sites progress (this can be done with a digital camera and sent to you through e-mail). If there is an issue that arises, your agent can be the liaison for research.

Arranging moving services. Realtors usually know good local movers; movers can be researched through the Internet.

Go with you to the new home Walk-Through. Your agent can help record any left over or unseen finished areas. Share with them what walk-through items still need to be finalized so that they can help you within the first few weeks after the move should you need help in communicating with the builder's warranty or repair department.

Your agent can be a good resource even once you're settled. Agents don't want to be forgotten. Many of them have a built-in referral network that lasts a lifetime. This is the best kind of business they could strive for, if their sharp and professional. Referrals can be a significant source of business for an agent, they will generally work real hard to earn your business when you move.

If your agent has thought of all of this, you have made a good choice. If you haven't done so, go over with an agent what they would be willing to do for you should you enlist their services. Most agents are eager to help you.

Try these other related FAQ sections:


			New Mortgage

			Refinance

			Home Equity

			Debt Consolidation

			Construction

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