Your Agent
Your agent is the most important team member. Select your agent wisely! Make sure that they own their own home. Otherwise how can they appreciate what you will go through during the buying process? It will be a very emotional time for for you. You need a seasoned and experienced professional to keep the process on track, so your stress will be kept to the minimum. Here is what others have said about me.
Lender
A bank is not just a bank. Having the right backer can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. Your lenders may or may not require an independent appraisal, and typically will make arrangements for the appraisal themselves.
Lawyer
Do not entrust this very important transaction to the family lawyer! Make sure that whoever you select specializes in real estate law. Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues.
Home Inspector
No home inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road. Ask your agent for a recommendation.
Contractor
Planning some renovations? You’re not the only one! The home renovation industry is booming, and in some markets, booking a contractor must be done months in advance (that’s a long time to go without a kitchen). Don’t let finding the right contractor slip through the cracks – planning ahead will almost certainly make your renovation smoother, and you contractor will appreciate the advance notice.
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