Most houses that are being sold will have an agent representing the seller, which is frequently referred to as a listing agent or sellers agent. The listing agents main responsibility is to make sure the sellers best interests are being protected.

So how does a buyer make sure their best interests are being protected? Simple, hire a buyers agent. There are several reasons why it’s extremely important that when you’re buying a house that you hire a buyers agent.

Since a buyers agent is looking out for a buyers best interest, they’ll help ensure the buyer gets the best deal possible. Here are the top 10 reasons to hire a buyers agent when buying a house.
1. In Most Cases it’s Free To Hire A Buyers Agent
2. A Buyers Agent Knows What To Look For When Viewing Houses
3. A Buyers Agent Understands The Local Real Estate Market
4. A Buyers Agent Can Help Evaluate & Secure Financing
5. A Buyers Agent Will Coordinate Showings
6. A Buyers Agent Will Know How To Write Real Estate Contracts
7. A Buyers Agent Will Have Access To Experienced Professionals Needed During A Transaction
8. A Buyers Agent Will Be Your Negotiator
9. A Buyers Agent Will Keep The Transaction On Schedule
10. A Buyers Agent Can Be Your Emotional Filter
We would love to help you buy your next home, give us a call and we can explain the top 10 reasons above, more in depth with you.

If you don’t know how to determine your home’s value, don’t worry “We’re Here to Help”.

You’d be surprised at how many homeowners are have no clue what their home is truly worth. You are so invested  emotionally in your home that it’s tough to see your home the way a buyer would.

A serious buyer will actually be looking at your home with these major factors in mind:

Location: How close is your home to highways, schools and shopping centers?
School district: How are the schools rated in your area? Are there multiple options?
Neighborhood Safety: Does your neighborhood have sidewalks, underground electrical lines and a low crime rate?
Curb appeal: Is your house pleasing to look at? Or is it outdated from the other homes in the area?
Square footage & number of rooms: How big is your home? Is it well laid out? Does the ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms make sense?
Updated appliances: Will the buyer need to plan for the cost of a new fridge, dishwasher or other items?

Work With an Expert and List Your Home at the Perfect Price
If you’re interested in selling your home, contact me – no matter what you find online. I will come out and meet with you, look at and evaluate your home, landscaping, renovations, recent repairs and other items that will make a real difference to potential buyers. Then I can give you more detailed information to help you make better decisions about selling your home.

 I will give you an accurate comparative market analysis, because if you price your home too high, buyers will pass you up without ever stepping through the door. Price it too low and you could lose thousands of dollars. The right price gets you the most money in the least amount of time. We’ll put service above sales and take time to explain all your options. Then you can make the decision that’s right for you.

Buying a house requires a lot of time and effort, check out these 10 steps, following these steps will make the home buying process manageable and help you make the best decisions possible.

Step 1: Start Your Research Early
Step 2: Find the Right Real Estate Agent
Step 3: Get Prequalified and Pre-approved for Your Mortgage
Step 4: Determine How Much House You Can Afford
Step 5: Shop for Your Home and Make an Offer
Step 6: Get a Home Inspection
Step 7: Work with a Mortgage Banker to Select Your Loan
Step 8: Have the Home Appraised
Step 9: Coordinate the Paperwork
Step 10: Close the Sale

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but don’t stress out,  just give us a call “We’re Here to Help!”

MLS Terminology:

AO – ACTIVE OPTION.  When a home is under active option the seller and buyer have agreed to a sales price and terms, as part of the terms the buyer has asked for an option period.  An OPTION PERIOD is a time frame when the buyer gets their inspections done, negotiates repairs and has the ‘OPTION’ to back out of the contract for any or no reason.  The option period length and cost per day to the buyer is negotiated in the contract prior to execution. During this time the house can continue to be showed to other potential buyers and back up offers can be received.

MLS Terminology:

We know that MLS Terminology can be very confusing but here are a few descriptions that might help clear things up:

NEW – This home was recently put on the market. From NEW the home will go to ACT after 10 days on the market.

ACT – ACTIVE. The home is available!

BOM – BACK ON THE MARKET. The home was recently under contract and is now BOM.

PCH – PRICE CHANGE. This listing has recently had a price change.

SLD – SOLD! This ones pretty self explanatory.

PND – PENDING. Usually a home will go from ACT to AO to PND.

PDB – PENDING SEND BACK UPS. Means the house is under contract but “back-up” offers are accepted in case the original contract falls apart.

EXP – EXPIRED. This listing agreement has expired with their current agent. It might be renewed or might be permanently off the market.

CAN – Cancelled. This listing has been cancelled. There are a variety of reasons why a listing is cancelled.

WDN – WITHDRAWN. This listing has been withdrawn from the market for whatever reason.

I know this sounds confusing, but don’t stress out,  just give us a call “We’re Here to Help!”