Once you know your new home price range and budget, it’s time to find a local realtor with a great reputation to help you navigate the buying process and home search — from finding the actual property to negotiating closing costs. It can also be helpful for first-time homebuyers to take advantage of an exclusive buyer agent to help create and guide you through your home buying plan.
As a first-time homebuyer, you may not know the difference between the various real estate titles you encounter: real estate agent vs. broker vs. Realtors. Not all real estate professionals are Realtors, but all Realtors are real estate professionals.3 Realtors are held to the standards and ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS®, while real estate agents simply hold a real estate license in your state. Brokers have additional education beyond the agent level and for that reason can work alone or hire agents to work for them.
Whichever type of professional you choose to represent you, make sure you ask them questions about their experience in the local area and their availability to show homes and answer questions, in addition to contract terms and fees you can expect. Covering these details up front can save you time and energy in the long run.
Buying your first home can take a lot of time, research and work, but don’t let that stop you from getting your dream home. You’re taking the right step in educating yourself before you begin the homebuying process.