Kathy Greenlaw Coldwell Banker Elite 5444 Jefferson Davis Highway - Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA (540) 735-2600 (540) 455-5399
Contact
Rapid Response

Learn

Share
Share
Save
Save

Agents for first-time homebuyers

January 20, 2012


First-time homebuyers may have a unique perspective of real estate agents, and sometimes their inexperience may lead to misconceptions. It is also common for first-time buyers to overestimate how much an agent can do for them and fail to realize the degree to which they must remain involved in the process.

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming. First-time buyers often overestimate the complexity of the home buying process, since unfamiliarity can make things seem more difficult than they actually are. Agents can be helpful under these circumstances, explaining the various steps of buying a home. For example, they can guide first-time homebuyers through searching for a home by helping them determine their criteria. Another important role that a real estate agent plays is assisting buyers through the negotiation process.

Real estate agents

According to the Wall Street Journal, not taking advantage of working with a professional real estate agent can be a major mistake. It can cause the home buying process to take longer, lead to mistakes and make it more difficult to pay a reasonable price without a savvy, experienced negotiator.

Real estate agents can help with either buying or selling a home, or both in some cases. First-time homebuyers may find their knowledge of the process and parties involved helpful when trying to understand the difference between appraisers and inspectors, or learning about any features common to newer houses in a particular neighborhood.

Looking at homes

Real estate agents can also help their clients to find a home that meets their needs. This is partly due to their experience and knowledge, often including specialized awareness of a local area, but is also due to their objectivity. 

Buying a home is both a financial decision and a personal choice, which can create conflicting goals that are difficult to reconcile. Real estate agents can offer homebuyers sound advice to make the right decision.

For example, agents can look at an older home and see past its charm to notice that it may need costly or time-consuming repairs. They can remain on task and remember the importance of checking things like the foundation and key systems such as plumbing and electricity, which are common things that first-time buyers overlook when charmed by "the perfect home."
 
Related Articles:

About Coldwell Banker®

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate. Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of approximately 87,000 sales agents working in approximately 3,100 offices in 49 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to create an iPad application and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On LocationSM YouTube channel. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC will never sell or provide information to a third party without your prior consent.
Click here to see our full Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use
New Search
Top Tools

Choose a Currency close window close