make the house hunt easier

MSN ARTICLE Find out what you WANT and don't WANT to make home buying faster and better
PROPERTY related tools

1. Must-haves
These are features in the new home that you consider non-negotiable. A good school district, for example. Or three bedrooms. A backyard. You get the idea. The stuff you're not willing to live without, and feel confident you can afford.

2. These would be nice
This is the wish list. An updated kitchen, say, or hardwood floors. Maybe a move-in-ready house. Items that you can acknowledge are wants, not needs. These may be things that can easily be added after you move in. Carpets can be ripped out, after all. It's harder to add a garage.

3. Deal-breakers
These are the things you absolutely, positively don't want. Agents should not waste your time if these are present. Maybe it's a busy road nearby, a long commute or no sidewalks or nearby parks. These are often things that can't be changed.



REPRESENTATION tools

1. It is crucial that your realtor understands the current market and the area's you are interested. They he or she is very comfortable in general with the contracts, the negotiation process and with communicating challenges with you.In the climate of REO and short sale homes your agent MUST be patient, knowledgeable, and a good communicator.

2. If they don't tell you the bad and the good news they are not the right agent. they can be as sweet as pie, have a clean car and know your brother....but if they are not qualified then you should NOT use them. Once you sign an agreement they are your agent. So make wise choices. Commit to the right agent and work exclusively with that agent. Don't do this on your own. you wont save money and your hunt will be hard or impossible.

3. Get an expert in whatever you are looking for. OR make sure your agent is willing to become an expert. There is a first time for everything, people can learn about anything they want to. Make sure you chose someone honest enough to tell you they don't know that area or that process, but they are committed to learn. When I am not familiar with something I do research and possibly team up with someone that does know. My clients needs are first to me.

If you are looking at short sales get an expert in shorts. Same with farm land, or horse property. REO or retirement communities. Rental properties or new construction. Your agents role not to show you around and buy you lunch. Its to understand, protect, guide and to educate you. No one intends to make a mistake. However not knowing you did because you don't understand a process fully is not excusable. In the end the one who loses is the home buyer.