Things to Know Before You Start

Choosing a Realtor®

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.

Local knowledge and personalized service matter.  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.

Selling a Home

Selling a house can be stressful.  Making the decision, preparing the house for sale, keeping it clean, waiting for a buyer, dealing with offers, and advancing to the closing table – all of these steps can be overwhelming.  This is a huge financial transaction with many emotional aspects.  But you can get it done – and it may even be easier that you anticipate.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’re not alone.  An experienced, professional real estate agent can guide you through the process, help resolve any issues that come up, and ensure that your home sells for the optimal price in a timely manner.

Settlement Company (Escrow)

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.

When purchasing a house 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.

Home Inspections

In your excitement to buy a home, it’s easy to miss a small crack in the foundation, some leaky pipes under the house, or a roof that needs to be replaced.

The sellers worked hard to make the home look as desirable as possible, but looks don’t tell the whole story.  That’s where your home inspection comes in.

Your home purchase is one of the biggest investments of your life, and it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying.  The best way to ensure this is through a professional home inspection.