Finding The Perfect Home

Finding The Perfect Home

Your agent can show you any home listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), online, or with a For Sale sign . Basically, it is your agent’s job to help you understand the market and the options you have before you . At The Raines Group, we are constantly watching for homes that meet your needs . As they become available, we will contact you immediately . Here are some specific ways your real estate consultant will search for your new home:

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The MLS provides a complete list of homes for sale in our area . This is a standard first step in the search process, regardless of which agent you choose . We go further by customizing a search for you . By analyzing your criteria, we email you new listings as potential properties come onto the market . To save you time, we preview hundreds of homes each month .

Builders

Most builders employ unlicensed sales representatives who represent the builder and are not held to the same standards or ethics as REALTORS® . Builders encourage working with REALTORS® and are willing to pay the brokerage fee . If you work directly with a builder without your REALTOR®, you typically will not save money because builders keep the commissions they would have paid . We offer one-stop shopping for people looking for a new-build home. We provide you all the floor plans from a variety of builders and areas . This saves you time from going to many places .

For Sale By Owners (FSBO)

FSBOs are not ideal for several reasons . When a professional agent is not guiding a seller through the process, there are many more chances for error, especially at closing . FSBOs have a much higher risk of 11th-hour closing problems, sometimes ending with the sale falling through .

For you, this can mean lost money and wasted time . Although this isn’t always the case, FSBOs can be frustrating . The goal is to get you into the right home . Still, if you see a FSBO home you love, jot down the address and phone number . Your Raines Group agent will be happy to check it out for you .

Internet

If you want to view many listings very quickly, go online! You can see and review properties from the comfort of your own home. Surfing the web is a good place to start if you’re not sure what you’re looking for and just want to get some good ideas .

However, many of the listings on the web are not updated . You don’t want to fall in love with something that is already sold . Once you have a sense of the kind of home you’re looking for, we will search the MLS for you .

Open Houses

Open houses are a great way to get a sense of the market . You will be able to see designs, styles and prices . You can also see specific homes in your target neighborhoods . The more information you have, the better prepared you will be when writing an offer .

When visiting an open house, give the host your Raines Group agent’s business card and let them know that you are working with us . When you sign in, write your name and then your Raines Group agent’s name . That way, they can contact us to get your opinion of the home . By fielding those phone calls, we can save you time so you stay focused on your search .

Driving Around

This tried-and-true way of house-hunting still works! Most people like driving around their new neighborhoods and seeing “the what” and “the where .” It’s nice to plan and dream as you go . It’s faster than open houses, more current than the internet, and usually – it’s a lot more fun!

Since most agents don’t give as much information as we do, you may have trouble finding a spec sheet on the For Sale sign . Keep a pad and pen handy in your car so when you see something, you can jot down the listing agent, phone and address . Give your Raines Group agent a call, and they will find the information for you quickly .