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Atlanta Home Buying Tips

Thinking of buying? What's the next step? Here are some Tips to successfully find your Dream Home… So read on, make some notes, and for additional assistance, e-mail us today!

Home buying can really be a fun experience. The first step is finding a Professional Realtorâ . Much like hiring an accountant or an attorney, its important to have a strong professional representing your best interests.

BUYER REPRESENTATION / BUYER AGENCY: 
Did you know historically the agent showing you homes worked for the Seller? This was true even when the seller had his or her own "Listing" agent. Well times have changed and in most states, including Georgia, the Buyer can have the agent represent them and protect the Buyer's interests in the transaction. The beauty of this is (in most states) there isNO COST for this service. The commission, paid by the Seller, pays your agent too. An additional benefit is a Buyer's Agent can show you ALL the available homes including those with other Brokers, For Sale By Owner or New Homes by Builders. So begin your Realtorâ search by seeking out an agent who can and will represent you!

ONE STOP SHOPPING: 
The home buying process involves many participants including; real estate agents, lenders, home inspectors, appraisers, warranty companies, attorneys, title examiners and others. Smooth transactions require a well-coordinated team. A top notch Realtorâ pulls it all together by identifying professionals in each area so you can focus on what matters to you… Finding the best home for you and your family.

REALTORâ QUALIFICATIONS: 
There are literally thousands of real estate agents seeking your business. How can you choose the right one? The answer is simple… Seek Experience as measured by Performance, not Longevity. Look for a professional with the following criteria:

  • A consistent record of Two or More Sales Each Month. There is no substitute for the experience gained by doing hundreds of transactions.
  • Experience and Knowledge of the Area(s) you are considering.
  • A Balance of Buyer and Seller Transactions to be sure they can advise you about the future salability of properties you consider.

Don’t make the classic mistake of hiring an agent simply because you know them or they live in your neighborhood… First make sure they’re Qualified! This is a big investment so take time to compare Experience and Services.

LOAN QUALIFICATION: 
Now that you’ve selected your Realtorâ , the next step is determining the appropriate Price Range. Start by contacting recommended Lender(s) and within a 10-minute telephone conversation you'll learn how much home you qualify for and get an accurate estimate of the monthly payments.

LOAN PRE-APPROVAL: 
After selecting a Lender, make your Loan Application right away, even before you begin house hunting. A Realtorâ armed with a "Pre-Approved" Buyer is in a much better negotiating position to get you the lowest possible price. What’s more, it’s not unusual for multiple Buyers to bid on the same home at the same time. Which Buyer do you think the Seller will be more interested in… The one “Pre-Approved” or the one who hasn’t made their loan application yet?

YOUR HOUSING REQUIREMENTS: 
Make a list of your requirements. If you own a home currently, begin with columns listing the likes and dislikes of your current home. Identify which features you wish to repeat and which you wish to change. Next make a list of the Required and the Desired features in your next home. A top producing Realtorâ knows the market and can quickly tell you if your objectives are realistic and achievable.

INSPECTION & HOME WARRANTIES: 
Whether you're buying New Construction or a ResaleALWAYS have the home Professionally Inspected to identify possible defects. Many new and resale home sellers offer a Home Warranty paid for by the seller. Home warranties have saved our clients thousands of dollars. Your Realtorâ can identify quality inspectors and warranty companies for your consideration.

CLOSING / ESCROW: 
Last, but not least, we reach the Closing or Escrow. With a good team of players on your side, the Closing should be smooth and trouble free. A quality Realtorâ will regularly communicate with all the parties including You, the Lender, Closing Attorney, Title Company, etc. to make sure any problems are identified early and resolved long BEFORE the Closing Date. When interviewing agents, ask about their Post Contract follow up. We have a Closing Coordinator on staff whose job is simply to monitor the transaction from Contract to Closing. Thanks to our Closing Coordinator over 99% of our transactions are successfully Closed.

If you've read this far, you're serious about buying so let us help you further. If you're in Metro-Atlanta, call (770.971.0025) or email us to set up a Home Buying Requirements meeting. If you're in any other state, email us and we will identify the top Realtorsâ in your area just for visiting our page. Thanks for stopping by.