Searching and Browsing to Find a Home
Searching and browsing to find a future home to call your own can be a very daunting task!
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Having said that, I’m sure you’d expect me to tell you how to make it easier. If you said yes, then you would be correct! So why don’t we start by talking a little about what NOT to do? While it is a great idea to drive the neighborhoods you’d like to live in…And it is also a good idea to make note of the homes you’d want to look at…… |
The worst thing you can do as a potential home buyer is call the phone number that is on the sign in the yard!
Why would I make that statement, you ask? You would think, that as a REALTOR® I would want you to call the number on that sign….especially if the number was (636) 795-4956. And yes, that is my number.
But let me repeat myself, just to be clear. As a home buyer, you never ever want to call the number on that for sale sign. And here is the very important reason:
Home buyers in the state of Missouri are entitled to be represented by an agent other than the agent who is working for the seller!. Why is that important to you as a home buyer? Because licensed REALTORS®, working as an agent for the seller, are required to act in the best intrest of the seller. They have to try to sell the house for the highest price they can.
So, as a buyer it may not put you in a very good negotiation position to be represented by the same agent as the seller.
It is a legal practice in this state for both buyer and seller to be represented by the same agent. It is called Disclosed Dual Agency and must be agreed to in writing by all parties. It is also interesting that the majority of commissions in residential real estate transactions are paid by the seller.
Are you starting to see why I am telling you not to call the number on the for sale sign? Even if it is my number on the sign! So………….. what if one of my sellers see that I am writing this? Good question, glad you asked!
If I am marketing your home and my duty is to demand the highest price possible…
I do not want to be in the position to also be on the side of your “opponent”…..the buyer. Of course we are always looking for a win-win situation in any transaction. It just does not make any sense to not have each party with fair and equal representation.
So, to sum up….you know what I’m going to say..
The way to make your home search easier starts with what I think may be the most important steps:
- Drive the neighborhoods you like.
- Find the houses you want to see.
- Call any agent other than the one who’s number is printed on the sign.
Call a REALTOR® who will provide the buyer representation you are entitled to!
I just happen to have the number for one. You don’t even need to take my word for it. See what others have said. That number is 636-795-4956.
Ok, so now that we’ve talked about what NOT to do that will make your home finding easier…..On to how to make it easy…….
There’s two ways to go about it, depending on how “techy” you are. If you are pretty comfortable on the computer I would suggest the first option. This will work best if you are a DIY type of person. You just set up your searches and it will continue to keep you updated about new listings and price changes via email. You can even save your searches so you don’t have to go back and keep entering your criteria every time. There’s also a feature that allows you create favorite folders and make notes about your favorite properties. You can get started by creating a free property watch account by clicking here .
If that sounds like way too much work, I can set it up for you. Just let us know as much as you can about your future new home and we’ll set it up for you. Please include as many details about your desired critera as possible to help us narrow your search. Click here to get started.
I hope this information was helpful. Please feel free to call with questions or leave a comment.
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