Opening Doors to Home Ownership...
Buying a home requires a team of professionals. Yes, you can do it on your own for the most part, but having the right people working for you makes the process easier and protects your interests in so many ways. At a minimum, you should have...
This team protects your legal interests, financial interests, helps you find the right house, handles the transaction, and helps you settle into your new home. Each has a key part to play, and if you assemble a strong team, they can save you thousands (maybe 10s of thousands) of dollars, but they can save you so much more.
Your mortgage originator handles all of the financing needed, helping you qualify for a mortgage, showing you different loan options, and helping you select the loan that is right for you. Helping you find the best rates, lower fees, better loan type, even if it only saves you $50 per month that is $18,000 over the life of the loan... and we can often save you far more.
Home inspectors spend hours at the house, conducting a detailed inspection that can save you the cost and hassle of major repairs. Little items can easily be fixed, but foundation issues, roofs, major electrical and plumbing... these can lead to huge surprise expenses, ones that many new home owners cannot afford. Do not pass on a home inspection as it is essential to know about any issues your new house has before you agree to close.
Realtors have access to information you cannot see, they know the paperwork and negotiation skills to get you a better deal, and they can walk you through the entire process. They are able to recommend other professionals to help you, can negotiate remedies after home inspections, can refer you to lenders and attorneys, and so much more. You would not go to criminal court without a defense attorney, I would not buy a home without having an agent helping me.
Title companies are a must have to close transactions, prepare documents and handle funds.
Most buyers do not utilize an attorney, either thinking they know it all, or allowing their realtor to review documents. Realtors are trained on paperwork, and many know the legal side inside and out. But they are not allowed to give legal advice, are not attorneys and may not know the legalities if issues arise. Attorneys should not give out property values, realtors should not give legal advice. For the few hundred dollars an attorney will charge to review documents, it is an extra layer of protection I would always recommend.
Home warranties are a point of contention, with many bad reviews and complaints. But if you do your homework, choose a good plan and company, they can save you significant money if the furnace goes out within months of closing, if appliances fail, all high ticket items.
Last, your professionals from movers to handymen, painters to plumbers... these all can be essential parts of home buying.
So before you commit to buy, assemble the right team around you. You will be glad you did.