So Christmas has come
and gone, and now we are into Boxing “week”.
As if we needed more stuff...Listening to my teenager’s comments while
surfing the net in search of deals, it occurred to me that there was nothing actually
needed, and only one thing that was actually wanted. How badly was it wanted? Not enough to get
dressed and go shopping, so I guess not badly at all. In other words, the item was more in the “would
be nice to have, but my life wont stop if I dont get it" category.
Why am I posting this
today? Because this is one of the ways a
knowledgeable broker can help a buyer distinguish the ‘WOULD BE NICE’ from the ‘absolutely MUST HAVE’ items, and in
the end, save you money! My focusing on the essentials, you aren't paying for the bells ans whistles you neither care for, nor want.
Many people are fearful of signing a Buyer Representation agreement with a real estate brokerage, but in my view, it is the smartest move a buyer can make...
How else can you make sure the person you are asking to help you find your next house is in fact working in your best interest? Getting their commitment in writing ensures that both of you understand the terms of the agreement and the level of service you can expect. By specifying what you are looking for and in which areas, the price you are willing to pay, the time frame you are thinking of buying in, and other such details, there are no surprises. You will know exactly where the potential homes you are offered to view are coming from - are they limited to multiple listing offerings, or do they include private sales? Who is going to be paying the real estate rep? When and how much?
By discussing the options with the real estate brokerage's representative, and finding out the levels of service available, you are no longer working blind: you have someone in your court, following your directions...