Buying a home is a big deal. The financial and emotional stakes are high – but the rewards can pay dividends for a lifetime. Plain and simple, owning a home can improve your quality of life, provide stability and give you a sense of control you just can't get from renting. You have a place to live when you rent, but buying is something much deeper and better.

The Importance of a Buyer's Agent

A real estate transaction is a complex process involving stacks of paperwork and a number of outside service providers and contractors.  An experienced buyer's agent can guide you through the process, answering your questions and serving as your advocate.  Your agent will help you find the property that fits your needs, submit offers and counteroffers, suggest a good property inspector and other professionals, and provide all sorts of relevant advice.  With a buyer's agent, you'll have someone on your side, looking out for your interests every step of the way. 

Although it’s not the most talked-about aspect of buying a home, escrow is nonetheless a vital component of a successful transaction.

Escrow is an arrangement in which a neutral third party holds onto funds and key documents involved in a home sale, and then distributes them according to the agreement between the buyers and sellers.  The Escrow period begins when a seller accepts a buyer’s offer, and ends at the closing table.

Purchasing a house isn’t like buying shoes; there’s a lot of money involved, a lot of steps to manage, and a lot at stake.  So the buyers and sellers don’t exchange money and documents directly with one another.  They do it through the escrow account.

Escrow ensures accountability. Buyers want to be sure all contingencies are met (inspection, title report, secured mortgage, etc.) before the sellers cash any checks.  Sellers want to make sure they receive funds before they hand over the deed.

The concept of a mortgage is quite simple. It’s basically a loan for a home wherein the property itself is used as collateral.

Securing a mortgage, however, can be complex.  The process may take more than a month, as several parties – from the escrow officer to the loan underwriter – work behind the scenes to put it all together.

A trusted real estate agent can recommend a reputable mortgage broker or lender and help you navigate through the process.

Like choosing any service professional – from an accountant to your family doctor – it’s important to do your homework before deciding on a real estate agent.  Your home purchase or sale likely represents one of the most significant financial transactions of your life, and you definitely want to find the right person for you.

Abilities matter.  And production matters.  You want someone with experience, education and a proven track record of successful closings.  On all counts, RE/MAX is a solid place to start your search.  Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, and RE/MAX agents collectively hold more professional designations than agents at any other national real estate brand.

As full time real estate professionals for over 14 years, we use a team concept to better service every area of our client’s needs.

We have individuals that focus on helping sellers get their property sold for the highest possible price, and those that help buyers find, negotiate and purchase their new home.

A lifetime of customer service has taught us that if we take exceptional care of the client, our business will thrive. We live it every day.