Working With a Real Estate Agent and Searching For a Home

Although we are fortunate to have an abundance of information at our disposal on the internet, that information can quickly become overwhelming. This is especially true when trying to manage the home buying process. Working with a licensed Arizona real estate agent can help ease some of that burden.

BENEFITS TO WORKING WITH A LICENSED ARIZONA REAL ESTATE AGENT

First is knowledge. Your agent will be knowledgeable on the home buying process, the local real estate market, searching for the right homes, and negotiating prices. This can ease the stress of navigating these activities by yourself.

Next is confidence. Being overwhelmed by an abundance of tedious information can cause you to be hesitant during the home buying process. Having an experienced agent means that you will not have to go at it alone and can make more confident decisions.  

It will give you more peace of mind. Combining the increased confidence and support you have during the home buying process will help ease your worries, making the process much more enjoyable and worthwhile.

It will also help you avoid wasting time. An Arizona real estate agent knows what homes, neighborhoods, and price ranges fit your needs and wants, and will keep you pointed in the right direction.

Lastly, it comes at no cost to you. As a first-time homebuyer, you do not pay your real estate agent to represent you. Your agent represents you but will be paid by the seller of the home.

WHAT DOES A REAL ESTATE AGENT DO?

A real estate agent acts as your partner in the home buying process, so it is important to find someone that you like and trust. The agent represents you and helps you find a house that suits your desires at the lowest possible price. They will be promoting you in hopes to make the home buying process an enjoyable experience.

Here is a list of some of the duties a real estate agent will perform:

  • Answer your questions and provide guidance
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  • Educate you about the local real estate market
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  • Review your list of desired home features and analyze your needs and wants to compile a list of potential homes
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  • Inform you when a new listing that might interest you comes on the market
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  • Guide you to homes that fit your criteria and provide information on neighborhoods, schools, real estate tax rates, and public services available in each neighborhood
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  • Make arrangements to show you homes that meet your requirements
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  • Work with other real estate agents to negotiate a fair price on your behalf and get the seller to accept your offer
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  • Assist you in the selection of a title company, home inspector, and any other service providers you may require during the home buying process
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  • Coordinate the many activities that must be handled during a real estate transaction
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  • Be proactive in solving any problems that may arise in the home buying process
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  • Check paperwork and deadlines

BEGINNING THE SEARCH FOR A HOME

Beginning the search for homes can be very exciting. However, continuously looking at homes that do not fit your needs and desires will become frustrating and that excitement can dwindle over time. Therefore, it is important for your home searching efforts to be effective.  

Begin with the basics, starting with location. Refer to a list of your desired needs or wants to determine whether your search will be broad or narrow. Then, filter your search so that you are only looking at homes within your price range and in which you have been pre-approved.

Although conducting the search on your own is manageable, professional insight can be very helpful and time-conserving.

HOME SEARCH TOOLS THAT YOUR ARIZONA LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT CAN PROVIDE YOU:

Internet Data Exchange (IDX)– This is the official system that provides the free home search that will be listed on your agent’s site, and gives you access to all the listings of homes on the internet. Your agent can set up a customized search so that you see items that rank high on your list of desired features.

Client Portals– A client portal is a system that your agent will use to customize your search and send you automatic updates any time there is an important activity. You receive this information via links sent through email.

Mobile Real Estate Search Application– A geo-based real estate search app that gives you the power to see what houses are for sale from your smartphone no matter where you are.