Why Use An Agent?
Purchasing real estate is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The property you choose holds significant implications from a lifestyle and financial perspective. That’s why it’s essential to have a detailed understanding of the market, available properties, and their current and future value.
The most reliable way to do this? Employ a high-quality, professional real estate agent to guide you through the process. Agents will show you Ann Arbor properties you can’t find on your own. Agents also use their knowledge and experience to catch red flags and address them before it’s too late. The right real estate agent can also help you save money through negotiations, closings, and finding the right loan. To top it all off, using an agent to buy your home won’t cost you anything; the seller pays for their commission from the sale.
Read on to see why an agent can ensure that you find and get the property of your dreams.
Finding the Right Agent
Before enjoying any of the benefits of a trusted real estate agent during the home-buying process, you must ensure you find the right person. With so many agents available, this cannot be easy. So, what things should you look for in a real estate agent?
A professional, trustworthy real estate agent will:
- Communicate the buying process clearly and be up-front about challenges
- Have experience in the unique Ann Arbor area market
- Give you trusted information on their record as an agent
- Be able to negotiate a good deal and have the track record to back it up
- Make you feel at ease and excited about purchasing a property
- Offer no-obligation consultation to:
- Explain how long the process will take
- Mark out milestones and determine a timeline
- Listen to, and identify, your needs and wants
- Preview available homes with you
Notably, a good agent will be on your side throughout the home-buying process.
What to Expect From Your Agent & Advantages They Provide
Once you find an agent you trust, you can start to enjoy the many advantages they provide. Using their extensive knowledge of the local area and marketplace, they will ensure they find you a property that fits your needs and budget. Here are a few of the most important things you can expect from your agent during the home-buying process:
A good agent…
Knows the quality of the homes you’re viewing:
Good agents can advise when it is safe and will hold up over the years. They set up home inspections and use the experience to warn you of any extra costs that may come up based on the home’s condition.
Works efficiently and has a systematic approach to home-buying:
A good agent will be a good listener. They will find out how and when you like to communicate (e.g., over the phone, by email, text messages, or otherwise) and will effectively communicate with you in your preferred way. Furthermore, they will show you all the listed homes that check your boxes – even ones that haven’t hit the market. A true professional wants you to find your dream home as efficiently and quickly as possible.
Understands your needs:
The right agent will use your preferences to find properties that fit and surpass your needs. This includes finding homes not yet listed, such as off-market and For Sale By Owner properties, setting up home tours around your schedule (especially useful for out-of-town buyers coming in for a short time), and showing properties that will be a good investment for the future. Your agent will know the inventory in the area and can help you choose a property that will make you money in the long run. Also, some areas of town are not ideal for home buyers due to location, demand, and surroundings. Case in point: buying in the student housing district of Ann Arbor can make a property hard to sell later (and live in now) due to its proximity to student parties, activities, and noise. A good agent will know which areas of town to show you based on your needs and wants.
Can explain the market and value of homes, so you know what is fair:
A good agent knows the market and ensures you get your home for a fair and correct price. This can be especially helpful when deciding to place an offer on a home, as the number you choose can ultimately determine if you or another buyer will get the property. They will also ensure you have the best chance to get the property you love at best possible price.
Can guide you through the complicated process:
Buying a home is a highly complicated process and involves many steps that are best left to professionals. Your agent can help you focus on whats most important — finding the property that’s best for you – while they and their team take care of the complicated legal steps that come along with it. This doesn’t just take much of the work out of your hands; it also protects you from missing small details that could cost you later. A good agent has the experience to ensure that every step of the process goes smoothly and is in your best interest.
Working with a Mortgage Lender
Unless you pay for a property upfront in cash, you will need a loan to afford your new home.
The first step is talking with a trusted lender to get pre-approved; this lets you know exactly how high your top dollar is when you begin looking for properties. Theres nothing more challenging than thinking your price point is one thing and seeing homes at that price point, only to find out that what you can afford is lower. An experienced, trusted lender will be able to review your documents (for example, your W-2s, 1040 federal tax returns, self-employment tax returns, pay stubs, 401k and social security 1099 statements, bank statements, earnest money check deposits, and more) and then write a letter after thoroughly analyzing them. This way, you won’t end up paying for an appraisal and a contractor without being able to buy that house you had your heart set on.
Going through a thoroughly documented pre-approval process before home shopping will save you significant amounts of time and money down the road.
An excellent real estate agent will have a trusted loan officer they can refer you to. The PiperPartners Team works closely with the in-house Loan Officer & Branch Manager, Mary Adams of New American Funding. Mary brings over 30 years of experience in many different markets and is well respected for her expertise in financing options. She and her team provide clients with the highest level of mortgage services. Mary can be reached at (231) 437-0301 or mary.adams@nafinc.com.
In Summary
Finding a good agent will help you decide when to get the home of your dreams. They will streamline the process and ensure you get the best house at the best price possible. It’s essential to find someone you trust and communicate with effectively, as they will be your source of information during the process. This decision can have an incredible impact on your home-buying process.
If you’re thinking of buying a home, contact The PiperPartners Team today to set up a free, in-person consultation and get started on your journey to finding the perfect home. Call us at (734) 845-9700, or fill out the form below. We look forward to working with you!
