Buying a home is probably the biggest single investment you’ll ever make. When purchasing a home, it’s a good idea to surround yourself with knowledgeable people within the real estate industry, including a true professional – your local REALTOR.

• A REALTOR helps a buyer determine how much home they can actually afford. Often a REALTOR can suggest additional ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.

• A REALTOR has access to thousands of listings and can evaluate those listings in terms of affordability and suitability – size, style, features, location, etc. A REALTOR will not waste time showing homes that do not meet their needs.

• A REALTOR can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect a consumer’s decision to buy.

• A REALTOR can often suggest changes within an available home that could make it more suitable to a buyer’s needs.

• A REALTOR has no emotional ties to available homes therefore he/she can point out advantages and disadvantages in an objective manner.

• When a REALTOR is acting as a buyer’s agent, he/she will negotiate the most favorable price and terms on behalf of the buyer.

• A REALTOR usually knows the local money market and can tell a buyer about financing options.

• A REALTOR can explain the closing process in advance and tell a buyer if local law requires an attorney to be present. A REALTOR can provide the buyer with a list of qualified attorneys if the buyer
• doesn’t have one.