Q & A with Jerome Cook

Jerome Cook

What questions should someone ask a realtor when looking for a new home? A: How many clients do you have? What area do you cover? What is your ratio of buyers and sellers? How long have you been selling real estate?

What makes a realtor “good” vs. “great?” A: A great realtor has a wealth of knowledge, tenacity, aggressive yet polite, hard working, trust worthy, extremely organized, and groomed.

What should I look for in a home before I purchase it? A: You should have a home inspector to inspect the property. This will allow you to negotiate with the seller on anything found during the inspection that you would want to have repaired or receive a credit towards the repair.

How do I know if I am getting a good deal on a home? A: Have your realtor prepare a CMA (comparative market analysis) report for you. This will help you compare to other properties that have sold in the area.

What qualities/standards should I look for when selecting a realtor? A: You should look for knowledge base of real estate, how long they have been practicing real estate. Look for strong communication skills, and very integral characteristic.

What questions should I ask a realtor during a home tour? A: How long has this property been on the market? Has the property had any contracts before? How old is the roof, when was it last renovated? Is the electrical updated?

When is a good time to buy a home? A: Anytime. Most buyers purchase from March-September.

What are the major steps to purchasing a home? A: 1. Start your Research Early. Step 2: Determine How Much House You Can Afford. Step 3: Get Prequalified and Preapproved for credit for Your Mortgage. 4: Find the Right Real Estate Agent. Step 5: Shop for Your Home and Make an Offer. Step 6: Get a Home Inspection. 7. Continue to work with your lender. Clear to close!

Where do I find homeowner assistance programs? A: Ask your realtor, most banks and lenders have programs available.

Prime Time Realty Group 21141 Governors Hwy Ste 102 Matteson,IL 60443 Office 708-377-0768 or Cell (708) 846-2304 Fax (708) 377-0068 jckconnections@gmail.com