To Be Successful...

Remember...

Choosing your real estate professional is, perhaps, the most important decision you will make when buying real estate! It is the most crucial element of the home buying and selling experience. This is where it is important to KNOW the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor®.

While an agent is simply licensed by the state to do business, a Realtor® has taken the additional steps to become a member of the local board of Realtors® and has agreed to act under and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. This membership obligates them to be fair to all parties involved in a transaction.

Before you shop:

Be a smart consumer. Select a knowledgeable agent.  To be successful in buying REO properties, your agent will need to be experienced in negotiating bank owned properties. The process is different from the norm. Learn  the financing basics of your transaction from beginning to close.

Get Pre-approved. This takes very little time and lets you know the price range that you can buy. Most importantly, banks will not typically wait on you to get pre-approved and most will require a commitment letter with your offer.

Know what you want. Do you plan to rent it out?? Or do you plan to rehab it and put it back on the market?? The last thing you need is to close a deal and realize you bought a house you don't want. Ask yourself what you're looking for in a home, before you shop. Make sure you get a home inspection done by a licensed inspector since you will be buying as-is in most cases.

Be prepared to view new properties quickly.   These houses sell quickly, so be ready to make fast decisions. Be accessible to change the terms. This probably cannot be stressed enough. Our market is very competitive and the good properties go fast. It is not uncommon for there to be several offers on a property the very first day it hits the market!

Have instant access to your agent.   Instant communication can mean the difference in purchasing the property of your choice.