The first step to ensuring the best experience and most beneficial investment of your time and money in this process is to find and hire a Realtor ©. There is a difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor©. The latter is held to a higher standard and provided more in-depth training to ensure the best possible service to you during the home buying process.
You can start on Realtor.com, or Zillow, or Trulia to read reviews, but when it comes down to the actual process, having a Realtor’s access to the MLS system will give you earlier access to new homes in your frame of criteria. You choose how frequently you’d like to receive emails about new listings that match your needs, from every hour to every day. This technology saves you a TON of time and stress, knowing that you’ll be notified every time a home drops into your price-range, or is listed with your needs. Properties are moving fast in Northern Virginia, and it’s important to be able to make a move on them within a day or two of them hitting the market, or you might just miss out.
You’ve read about our team, and you know that Ask A Walker has your back, you can call us at 703.539.2053 or email us at [email protected]. We want the opportunity to meet in person, and get to know your needs. If you’d still like to look at some other options, we understand. Not all Realtors are the same. You need to find someone you feel comfortable with in sharing your wants and needs, you will spend quite a lot of time with your Realtor. They also need to be dedicated and good at their job. Sit down, have coffee and a conversation to see if you click. Start by looking at the response time from that first email or phone call. This can show you how quickly your needs will be addressed in your working relationship. If your Realtor doesn’t respond within 24 hours, it won’t work. This industry moves fast. If you can’t rely on your Realtor to respond and take action in a timely manner, it may cost you your dream house.
In your coffee chat, remember that it is an interview. You shouldn’t be the only one answering questions.
Go into a meeting like this with the expectation to sign a legally binding Buyer Representation Agreement. Before you divulge any confidential financial information, this should be signed to protect both you and your Realtor. This document also ensures that at the end of the process, your Realtor gets the agreed upon rate of pay from the title/escrow company after closing.
If you have any questions give me a call at 703.539.2053 or email me at [email protected].
Step 2 – Get Mortgage Pre-Approval
Step 3 – Download the Home Buyers Checklist
Step 4 – Finding your Dream Home
Step 6 – I love this home! Let’s make an offer!
Step 7 – Scheduling the Home Inspection
Step 8 – Your Offer Has Been Accepted!
Step 9 – Your Earnest Money Deposit – What is it?
Step 10 – Give Notice to your Landlord if You’re Renting
Step 11 – Home Inspection Negotiations
Step 12 – No Frivolous Spending
Step 14 – Hooking Up the Utilities
Step 15 – Set Up Homeowner’s Insurance
Step 16 – Prepare Down Payment Transfer
About the Author: The above article was written by Abraham Walker, Your Alexandria Virginia Real Estate Agent, helping clients market their homes to achieve high sales with a quick closing time is my main priority.
He’s the co-founder of Ask A Walker and can be found on YouTube, Facebook, and HERE on this blog.
Abraham can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at (703)539-2053.
He’s happy to answer all your real estate questions.
Thinking of selling your home? Check out my 20+ step process to selling your home. Or contact me now to start the home selling process. Same day appointments are available on a case by case basis.
Your Alexandria, VA Realtor, Abraham Walker, helps people sell and buy real estate in the following Northern Virginia area cities & neighborhoods: Kingstowne, Island Creek, Cameron Station, Overlook, Alexandria, Old Town, Belle Haven, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, Springfield, West Springfield, Burke, Lorton, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas, Annandale, Fairfax, Arlington, McLean, Reston, Herndon and of course Vienna.
