Helping Your Orlando Real Estate Agent Get You into a New Home

Buying a home is often considered one of the most stressful things you will do in your life. Unless you're a real estate investor, you will most likely experience home buyer stress.

You can help your Orlando real estate agent find you a home, and successfully close the deal, if you are as prepared and knowledgeable as possible. Here are a few tips to help you be ready and make your transition as painless and stress free as possible.

Have all of your financial records in order. This includes:

• Income records: You usually need two recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed, it will get trickier. Want to be even more prepared? Get pre-approved for your mortgage.

• A clean credit report: Make use of those free credit reports and check for errors, outstanding debts, and a high debt-to-income ratio. If you find any errors, it's worth your time to get them fixed prior to applying for a loan or searching for a home.

• Know what you want: As unusual as that seems, not knowing specifically what you need and want in a new home can prolong the search and have you and your agent running in circles trying to find the right home. Price is only one of the considerations. Know how many bathrooms and bedrooms you need. If there are specific amenities you desire, let them be known. Don't wait until you've traveled all over the countryside looking at homes to tell your Orlando real estate agent you absolutely must have a sunken tub.

Read up on everything you can find that will help you understand the options available to you and what you need to get financing and you will be your own best asset in finding the perfect home. Making your Orlando real estate agent work smarter, not harder, is the way to a beneficial arrangement for you both.

If you’re looking for the home of your dreams, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.

Choosing the Right Orlando Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

Choosing the right Orlando real estate agent for you is a vital task. This is someone who will be inside your home, interacting with your family and working with one of your most valued possessions—your home. You need to find someone you trust to take care of you and give you the best advice. So what should you look for in an agent?

• Personality. You need to get along with your REALTOR®. Interview Orlando real estate agents. Get to know them. Do you trust them? Can you ask them questions? Are you comfortable around them? Be honest as you answer these questions. If something doesn’t feel right to you, trust your instinct.

• Work Ethic. Does your real estate agent return your calls within a reasonable amount of time? Do they answer your questions without making you feel foolish? Do their office hours fit with your schedule?

• Environment. REALTORS® either work for brokers at a large franchised real estate agency or for brokers with a small boutique agency. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. This is your own personal preference. Choose which you think will work for you.

• Experience. Agents with years of experience tend to understand more about market fluctuations. On the other hand, newer agents don’t always have as many clients at one time, so they may be able to provide more individualized care.

• Specialization. To get the best advice, find an agent who specializes in selling homes in your community.

We may be the Orlando real estate agents for you. Call us today at 407-876-5771 to find out more about my experience and areas of specialization.