Why Do You Need A Realtor Before Buying A House
Buying a home is a major commitment in terms of both time and money. There are many things to consider when purchasing a home, and the services of a realtor can be a big help when navigating this somewhat confusing world.

A realtor is a professional who is trained in the ins and outs of the real estate industry. He or she will be able to guide you through the entire home selection and home buying process. A professional real estate agent can also help the potential home buyer determine how much home he or she can afford, and to help them get pre-qualified for a mortgage before beginning the search for their dream home.

A qualified, knowledgeable realtor can also help the home buyer to find a certified home inspector to thoroughly inspect any home they are considering. A good home inspection is a must when buying a home, as a certified home inspector will be able to find problems that would not be uncovered by a cursory inspection.

Another important function of the realtor is determining any ordinances, restrictions or zoning laws that are applicable to the property. This is particularly important if the potential home buyer plans to use part of the home as a home office. Zoning laws often prohibit this type of commercial use of a property. A good real estate agent will be able to gather this information and ensure that the buyer can use the property as they desire.

A realtor can also help the buyer to understand any disclosures and disclaimers that are being made by the seller. The laws regarding what must be disclosed vary from location to location, and the real estate professional will know what questions to ask to ferret out the information the buyer needs. The realtor will know if water damage, termite damage, asbestos or other environmental issues must be disclosed in your particular location, and he or she will use this information to make sure there are no hidden dangers lurking in your new home. This type of information can also be invaluable when it comes to the home inspection. (Read more about what to look for in a real estate agent?)

Once you have found the home of your dreams and had it thoroughly inspected, your real estate professional can guide you through the negotiation process and help ensure you get the best possible deal. The realtor will have a good idea of the fair market value of the home, as well as any other offers that may be on the table. You can use this valuable information to make sure you get a good deal. The services of a qualified realtor can prevent you from overpaying while insuring that you get the home you want.

As you can see, the services of a realtor are important throughout the entire home buying process. From the time the decision is made to buy a home to the date of the closing, the services of a realtor can make the entire home buying process easier, more pleasant and more affordable. Finding a right realtor from your local brand-name brokerages is extremely easy on the Internet now. These online services allow you to compare the agents background, commission rates, home transactions and more. Best of all, the local real estate agents will send you a customized proposals for free.