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All Real Estate MD

Serving Maryland Home Buyers & Sellers Since 1986.

Posts Tagged first time homebuyer baltimore

A Realtor Home Buyer and Home Seller Take a Lesson From The NFL

Nov 4

Posted by admin in Home Buyers | No Comments

How Can A Realtor, Home Buyer and Home Seller Learn From The NFL?
In the NFL players talk trash all week prior to the game, they play physical and all out for 60 minutes and at the end of the game, shake hands. No matter who wins or loses when the game is over friends are friends again, old college team mates are reunited and many times opposing players kneel at the center of the field and pray together.

Why would I compare the NFL to real estate? I have just had a settlement where I represented a first time home buyer and a REALTOR friend  and old business partner of mine with a competing company represented the home seller. It was just like an NFL game without the physical contact of course, but there was trash talking, going up and down the field with negotiations, the ball constantly changing hands.

I have been in real estate for 24 years and settled hundreds of transactions and as I left this one, it hit me that it was perfect. Not that there were not issues like home inspection repairs and under appraisal, it was perfect in the way that every one handled themselves perfectly during the transaction and afterward.

From the moment the offer was submitted, as an insider or outsider, would not have known that the real estateagents knew each other, much less were friends. There was no small talk, it was all about the fiduciary responsibilities, I being advocate for the first time home buyer and she the home seller.

There were normal negotiations like the initial offer price and terms going back and forth a few times and the homeinspection repairs, similar counter offering. Then there was the not so normal under appraisal and the difficulties associated with working through it. It all worked out, not because of the REALTORS, but the home buyer and home seller were fair and reasonable, each making acceptable compromises.

There is one major difference with the NFL and a real estate transaction. In the NFL one team must win and one mustloose, in a real estate transaction all parties must win. This is best described in a quote that I live by, author Napolean Hill from the book “Think and Grow Rich”.

“I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure unless built upon truth and justice. Therefore I will engage inno transaction that does not benefit all whom it affects.”

A real estate settlement should be a pleasant experience. At the end of every real estate transaction there should behandshakes, laughter and hugs, if not, everyone loses.

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Maryland First Time Home Buyer REALTOR Harford County Baltimore

Oct 23

Posted by admin in Home Buyers | No Comments

Helps Hundreds Avoid

Critical Home Buying Mistakes

I have been helping first time homebuyers realize their dream of home ownership for more than 20 years. It has been the most gratifying process in my career. That is why hearing some of the nightmares that can happen with the wrong real estate agent horrifies me. This article should help some of you avoid that pitfall.

Did you know that 50% of licensed real estate agents in the United States sell 3 homes or less a year. Of that number more than half close zero or 1 home a year. Would they qualify to help you? If you had a choice, would you choose them or a professional REALTOR that sells 3 or more homes a month? The decision could be the difference not only in dollars but whether the home buying experience is pleasant or a living nightmare.

Now we have established the difference between productive REALTORS and those that are just out to make a quick buck. There is another important term you need to understand and that is REALTOR, a trademark term. You see all REALTORS are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are REALTORS. A REALTOR belongs to National, State and Local Associations and agrees to abide and be bound by a strict code of ethics. This code sets an elevated standard of practice of how we treat each other, buyers and sellers. If you have a choice, do you choose someone that has agreed to a higher standard of practice and ethics or operates with minimum no standard in place?

Finally we need to look at great REALTORS and if that is enough and again the answer is no. Most REALTORS that excell at their profession have a specialty and why is that important for you. Almost any top REALTOR will be able to take you through the home buying process, but a REALTOR that specializes in first time homebuyers is going to be up to date on special financing, first time homebuyer programs and grants. They will more than likely have lenders that specialize in first time buyers as well with all of the incentives that you can benefit from. This little peice of advice can literally save you thousands.

To help, here are a few questions to ask:

1. What percentage of sales are 1st time homebuyers?
look for 33%+
2. What makes you different and why should I work with you?
3. What is your companies track record and reputation in the market place?
4. How many home buyers are you currently working with?
5. Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact?
6. What happens if I am not happy with the job you are doing, can I cancel my buyer contract?

This information is a good start but as a Maryland First Time Home Buyer you must do your due dilligence. Buying a home should be fun. If you do your homework and find the right REALTOR to be your advocate, it more than likely will be.

If you are the greater Baltimore, Harford County area of Maryland, visit our team website at;

http://TheWhittakerTeam.com
There you can start your home search and get more valuble information. The best part it is absolutely FREE and without obligation.  Contact us anytime with questions and for assistance.

Thank you for interest, happy home hunting.

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