As a buyer, it is just as important for you to carefully select a REALTOR® who can guide you through the buying maze.
Is the agent a REALTOR®?
To handle sales of homes for others a license is required from the Texas Real Estate Commission, but every licensee is not a REALTOR®. A broker who is a REALTOR® has pledged to uphold a Code of Ethics and is a member of the REALTOR® organization on the local, state and national levels.
Before working with a REALTOR® you should know that the duties of the REALTOR® depend on whom the REALTOR® represents. The REALTOR® who lists the property for sale represents the owner. You may decide to choose a REALTOR® to represent you in the purchase of a property. This REALTOR® would be known as the buyer’s agent. You may also choose to work with a REALTOR® without having the REALTOR® represent you. For example, you could negotiate directly with the listing agent knowing that the listing agent represents the owner. You may also work with a subagent. A subagent is an agent who is not associated with the listing broker (probably employed in a different real estate firm) and who works with the buyer but represents the listing broker and seller in the transaction. All brokers must treat you honestly and fairly regardless of whom they represent.
If you choose to have a REALTOR® represent you, you should enter into a written contract that clearly establishes the obligation of both parties and specifies how your REALTOR® will be compensated. Many times REALTORS® who represent the buyer will enter into a buyer representation agreement with the buyer.
Showings
The REALTOR® will arrange showings so you can see what is available in your price range and preferred location. On the houses that interest you most, it’s wise to take notes – address, listing price, number of bedrooms, and other features. Keep your priorities in mind. Compare your notes to the needs and wants list you made earlier.
Impromptu visits
When you begin narrowing your selection or you find that you’ve fallen “head over heels” in love with a certain house, you may want to visit the neighborhood in the evening or on a weekend and talk to the people who live there. Take a test drive from the house to your work place during rush hours to get a feel for traffic. Observe other houses in the area. Are they well-kept? How many have “For Sale” signs out front? Note how far it is to schools, parks, theaters, restaurants, and convenience stores. Will you be comfortable living here?
Remember…Experience Is Not Expensive….It Is Priceless!
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Midland 1st Choice – The Underwood Group, LLC
For all of your relocation needs contact Denise Underwood, Realtor®, Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR,
This copyrighted information is provided courtesy of the Stewart Title Guaranty Company.