Buying a home is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences most of us ever have; it’s also one of the most challenging. If you’re buying for the first time, the process may seem overwhelming. And even if you’ve been through it several times, every move is different and presents new challenges.
One clear advantage of enlisting the help of a sales professional is simply that you don’t have to go through it alone. A good sales professional has the background and skills to help you through each step of the process, and make the experience of finding, buying and moving into your new home as smooth, quick and enjoyable as it can be. Another advantage is that a sales professional represents a valuable source of information about market trends; communities and neighborhoods; and especially homes for sale throughout the area. Remember, not every home seller runs an ad in the local paper or puts a sign up in the yard. In fact, many homes actually sell before there is ever a need to advertise them. The market expertise a sales professional offers you is augmented by access to complete, regularly updated information about every home listed by area sales professionals through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). As you’ll see in the following questions, such professional expertise and services can be of considerable help throughout the buying process.