Question #1. How do I start the home buying process? Who do I talk to first?

Excellent question!

You really should be talking to a REALTOR® first, a few a different REALTORs® is even better. And then the next step is to get pre-qualified. Your REALTOR® should be able to recommend someone and be able to answer your questions about mortgage broker vs bank. Most people head to the bank for a mortgage, but that is not always the best idea, more about that later.

The process of interviewing a REALTOR®, is for you to decide if this is the person you want to hire to represent you. It’s true that not every client can work with every REALTOR® and vise versa. I get that, I understand that. I want to make sure we are on the same page, and that we will be able to work together, that our expectations are discussed, are realistic, and that a good partnership can be formed.

I will always meet any potential buyers for a “meet and greet” or a “Buyers Counseling Session”. This meeting is done usually in your home, a place where confidential issues can be discussed, it is comfortable, and we can truly have an engaging discussion. Coffee shops, (where a lot of deals are done), are not confidential and therefore are not looking after your best interests.

The Buyers Counseling Session usually takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. I will ask questions, inform and educate you on the home buying process, discuss agency relationships, my experience – past and present, how I do my business, the steps involved in purchasing, needs assessment, purchasing concerns, commissions, financing, shopping for a home, the offer process, terms and conditions, inspections, expectations, and the contracts.

What I am finding is that no one seems to be sitting down to inform and educate the buyers on how the process works. Too many times I have talked to leads/clients and they tell me that the process was never explained to them, and/or they don’t even like their REALTOR®. (Which is why I am then there talking to them, because they are not happy with the things are going.)  Some people feel pressure or feel that their REALTOR® is pushy and rushing them… not me. And once you meet with me, you will be able to see that.

So, the first step, Call a REALTOR® or a few and ask to meet with them, interview them in person. Ask them for a meeting first. Will they do it, are they even prepared for a meeting first, or will they try to push that aside, aiming to just get you in their car.

If you are interested in taking the next step with me, I welcome your questions and calls. Please contact me and let’s set up a “meet and greet” and I can help you reach your real estate dreams.

A full list of the 17 questions: Interview Questions