Should First-Time Home Buyers Use a Realtor When Purchasing a New Home?
Categories: Resources & Tips Comments Off on Should First-Time Home Buyers Use a Realtor When Purchasing a New Home?As a first-time home buyer, it can be incredibly confusing navigating the world of real estate, because let’s face it: buying a home is a very complex process. From financing options and contract terms to negotiating prices and closing costs, new home-buyers have a sea of confusing terms and legalities to work through before they can pack their bags and boxes and move into their new home. A realtor can be greatly beneficial to buyers looking for assistance with sorting through these things. While traditionally realtors also help clients sell their current home, many first-time buyers are opting to use realtors to walk them through the process of buying their first home to make the process as painless and easy as possible. But is a realtor always the best solution? This article will cover the pros and cons of hiring a realtor to ensure that you, as a first-time home buyer, are completely satisfied not only with your new home but also with your experience buying it.
The Pros of Using a Realtor
– Realtors are trained professionals who know the real estate world inside and out. They can compile a list of features you want in your new home and find a floor plan that matches it perfectly. On the legal side of things, a realtor knows all about health and safety codes and inspection requirements to ensure you buy a home that meets all laws and government regulations. Realtors are also familiar with all forms of financing options, contract terms and other costs involved in home buying, and can help you choose options that will benefit you best. Additionally, when looking at new construction homes, such as those built by LGI Homes, a realtor is likely familiar with the building company and can vouch for their professionalism and construction quality.
– A realtor can minimize the time it takes to sort through the paperwork involved in buying your first home, and will ensure that you fully understand all of the “small print.”
– Realtors are well-acquainted with the areas they work in, and can help by pointing out nearby positive features surrounding the community or by raising your awareness to any downsides near the home you are looking at.
The Cons of Using a Real Estate Agent
– A small percentage of real estate agents may not always put your needs before their paychecks. When looking for affordable housing options, a real estate agent may push you toward other homes out of your means to ensure a higher commission check for themselves upon sale.
When weighing the pros and cons of hiring a realtor as a first-time buyer, the choice is ultimately up to you. If you decide to hire one, make sure to research their background fully and read testimonials from previous clients to ensure you are hiring an agent who is qualified and has professional integrity. If you decide against employing a realtor’s services, be sure to spend plenty of time researching the legal and financial sides of buying so that you can best represent and assess your options as a buyer.