| Why should I use a real estate salesperson?: A real estate salesperson is more than just a "sales person." They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance and doing a job - helping you buy or sell a home. While it is true they get paid for what they do, so do other professions that provide advice, guidance, and have a service to sell --such as Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys.
The Internet has opened up a world of information that wasn't previously available to homebuyers and seller. The data on listings available for sale is almost current - but not quite. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.
If you're selling a home, you gain access to the most buyers by being listed in the Multiple Listing Service. Only a licensed real estate agent who is a member of your local MLS can get you listed there - which then gets you automatically listed on some of the major real estate web sites. If you're buying or selling a home, the MLS is your agent's best tool.
However, the role of an agent has changed in the last couple of years. In the past, agents were the only way home buyers and sellers could access information. Now agents are evolving. Because today's home buyers and sellers are so much better informed than in the past, expertise and ability are becoming more important.
The real estate agent is becoming more of a "guide" than a "salesperson" -- your personal representative in buying or selling a home.How much should you offer for a house?: When making an offer, you should consider the following factors:
* The advertised price of the house.
* What you can afford.
* Prices for comparable houses.
* Whether the local real estate market is hot or cold.
* The seller's needs, like whether the seller needs to close quickly.
* Whether the house is uniquely valuable to you.
* How much you feel good about paying for a particular house.Is it possible to buy a home with no money down?: Yes, No down payment is one of the top two reasons most people continue renting. Well, with a "No Money Down" program, the days of saving up for a large down payment could be over. If you have decent credit and fall into a certain income range, you could be on the road to owning a home with absolutely no down payment! Many people unfortunately get stuck in the "Rent Trap". That being, you may be able to afford a home but coming up with a substantial down payment is difficult because of monthly rent. Several no money down programs are available these days, just consult a loan broker.
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