SELECTING AN AGENT

Now more than ever, there is a need for a highly-trained expert on your side. Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a guide to show you the way.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BUYER’S AGENT

Depending on how your home search goes, you may spend multiple months working with your agent. Be sure to partner with someone who maintains an outstanding work ethic. Here are some key attributes you should find in a great real estate agent.

Hyperlocal Expertise

Every transaction is different. Home prices, buyer demand, and available housing can vary by neighborhood. Look for an agent who is experienced in the specific area where you’re interested.

Communication Skills

Your agent should be a skilled communicator both with you and with other key parties involved in the transaction. They should be able to submit your offer and negotiate contingencies with the seller’s agent. A great REALTOR© will be adept at working with your lender, home inspector, and attorney or escrow officer. This is why availability is important.

Impactful Reputation

Becoming a real estate agent is a popular career choice but it also has one of the highest failure rates because people don’t realize how much work it is. If you choose an agent who is new to the industry, make sure they have mentorship from a more experienced REALTOR©.

WHY DO PEOPLE PREFER TO PARTNER WITH THE TOP INDEPENDENT REAL ESTATE COMPANY?

There are over 230 possible steps that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. At Levin Rinke Realty, you can expect an agent with experience helping your neighbors successfully navigate the local market. We invest in training to ensure you get the service you deserve when evaluating the needs for your home.

A Local

Negotiator is Crucial to Getting the Best Value.

A knowledgeable REALTOR© can save you thousands at the negotiation table. Between the original offer, the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, and potentially the cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal, you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Understanding Cost vs. Worth in Today’s Market.

The affordability of a home is the measure of earning enough to qualify for a loan. On a typical home, this is based on pricing, income, and mortgage rate. The interest rate you pay to borrow money when buying a home matters. As prices and mortgage rates continue to rise, it will impact how much home you can afford in the future.

Many buyers believe their biggest hurdle is the ability to afford a down payment. That may be because those individuals assume a 20% down payment is necessary. While putting more money down if you’re able can benefit you as a buyer, putting 20% down isn’t always required. According to the latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. It may sound surprising, but today’s average down payment is only 13%. That number is even lower for first-time homebuyers, whose average down payment is only 7%.

Being informed on the homebuying process is incredibly important today, so you can make the best possible decision about when to purchase a home. Our agents always have their finger on the pulse of the market, making their clients’ buying experience an educated one.

Now the real estate landscape is highly competitive. Choosing a professional with high integrity to guide you is a simple step that gives you a huge advantage.