Know What To Look For Before Hiring A Real Estate Agent
Owning a home is part of the Kiwi Dream, and now is an excellent time to buy. Hopefully you have been saving and preparing so that you are financially ready. This is especially so as there are so few homes on the market right now that make it a seller’s market. Given the lack of properties available it is common sense to work with your local Ellerslie real estate agent to find the best prices on homes, but it is also very important that you are prepared and have done your research about the real estate industry and Ellerslie market in particular. Otherwise you could be misguided.
The first thing you should know is that you do not want to spend your entire budget on the actual purchase price. Most likely the home will need some repairs or you may want to upgrade appliances or rooms. If you spend your entire budget on the purchase you will have nothing left for your renovations. The joy over your new home will deteriorate quickly Nothing when you have to look at the old kitchen bench tops and worn carpet. Keep money aside for these renovations and even after the sale try not to spend all of your money in the initial renovations. You never know when a repair need is going to pop up.
When choosing your real estate agent be sure that he or she is willing to cooperate with you. They are the expert on the local Ellerslie property market and are expected to guide you through the real estate jungle, but you do not want an agent that will not listen to you. If you end up with a pushy agent that tries to convince you to purchase homes you do not like then drop them immediately and find another. It is important from your standpoint not to be a pushover as well. Be polite, but firm in your communication.
Here are a few tips in dealing with real estate agents. First, be very specific about what you want. Make a list, think through absolutely everything, and when they ask you what you are looking for be prepared to tell them. What are your future goals? Do you intend to start a family? Do you love entertaining many guests? It is important that they know your needs so they can show you appropriate homes. When it comes to your budget, it is recommended to give your agent a number that is a little below what you can actually spend. This way when it comes to being persuaded to take something a little beyond your budget you can and still be within your comfortable spending range. Most often in any negotiating situation the first numbers are not the final numbers.
When you do find the perfect home don’t get too excited. You need to have a thorough understanding of the contract and the deal itself. If your real estate agent puts pressure on you to take a deal before someone else does, take a step back. Creating a sense of urgency is a very old selling technique but a real estate agent who has integrity will not do that. The best real estate agents in Ellerslie, know that if they work with you and help you rather than forcing a sale, you will recommend them to other people and also return to them when you want to buy a new home.
Buying a house is a major decision and financial expense. It is important that you are very careful and that you understand every aspect of the deal. In addition the home should be thoroughly inspected. A good real estate agent will keep you from jumping into anything too soon. They should want you to be comfortable with the house you are buying. After all, you are going to live there for a long time.
http://markpatsy.co.nz/