Benefits to Home Buyers

Home Buying Tools and Tips

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Information Sheet for Buying a New Home

Tips to buying a house are invaluable to the new home buyer. Use an exclusive's buyer agent to get the best tips on buying a new home as they specialize in serving buyers' needs. They can serve as your advocate to represent your interests throughout the experience as well as an educator. Many of them learn new ideas through professional networking with their colleagues throughout the country.

Many exclusive buyer agents use an information sheet for buying a new home that outlines the typical steps in the home search and purchase process:

  1. Determine your housing affordability and get pre-approved for a mortgage. (Credit report, FICO score, type of mortgage, shop for best rates and programs.)
  2. Determine your housing requirements. (Style of home, size, price, location.)
  3. Choose your real estate agent before one chooses you. (Compare the services of different agents and look for good personal chemistry and undivided loyalty from an exclusive buyer's agent.)
  4. Learn about your local real estate market. (Sign up for daily email notification services and stay on top of all new FSBOs coming to market.)
  5. Research the neighborhoods, schools, crime rate, traffic, zoning, and work commutes. (Rely on your exclusive buyer's agent's expertise and in-company resources. Check the web for helpful information.)
  6. Research legal aspects of the property - zoning, easements, liens and other restrictions. (Visit or have your agent visit the town or city hall to determine.)
  7. Determine the property value before making an offer. (Have your exclusive buyer's agent prepare a property value study and ask the seller if there are any other offers and his motivation for selling, deadlines, etc.)
  8. Inspect for pests, lead paint, radon, etc. (Take advantage of the inspection contingencies in your offer and get thorough inspections to prevent any surprises after you move in to your new home.)
  9. Re-negotiate, if necessary, after home inspection and signing the Purchase & Sale Agreement. (Use the inspection report to re-negotiate, if necessary and sign the P&S after review.)
  10. Check on the condition of the home prior to taking ownership. (Schedule a walk-through inspection prior to Closing.)

Given NAEBA-member exclusive buyer agents’ focus on buyer satisfaction, you can count on finding one in your local area who will be happy to provide additional information.