The Players
Here's an overview of the possible players on your team:
-
You:
You are the most important player on your team. Sooner or later, player is bound to drop the ball or fail to satisfy your needs. You have every right to politely, yet forcefully, insist that this person make things right. Remember that you hire the players on your team; they work for you.
- Real estate agent:
Because the house that you're getting ready to buy is probably one of your largest investments, you want to protect your interests by having someone on your team who knows property values. Your agent's primary mission is to help you find your dream home, tell you what your home is worth and then negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal.
- Real estate brokerage:
All states issue two different real estate licenses: one for salespeople (agents) and one for brokers. Real estate brokers must satisfy more stringent educational and experience standards than agents do. If your real estate agent is not an independent broker or the broker for a real estate office, the agent must be supervised by a broker who's responsible for everything that your agent does or fails to do within the course and scope of the duties of a real estate sales professional. In a crisis, your transaction's success may depend on back-up support from your broker; luckily, in this that broker is Compass.
- Lender:
Because most folks can't pay all cash for their homes, you need a loan to buy your dream house. A good lender offers competitively priced loans and may even be able to help you select the best type of loan from the financial minefield of loan programs available today.
- Property inspectors:
A house's physical condition greatly affects its value. Your dream home should be thoroughly inspected from roof to foundation before you purchase it to ensure that you actually get what you think you're buying.
- Financial and tax advisors:
Before you buy a home, you should understand how the purchase will fit into the context of your overall financial situation. You should address the issues of what your financial goals are and, given those goals, how you can afford.
- Lawyer:
The purchase agreement you sign when buying a home is a legally binding contract. If you have any questions about your contract's legality, put a lawyer who specializes in real estate law on your team. This is an essential player, and they will keep you protected.
Each player brings a different skill into the game. Assemble a great team, and they will guide you through any situation that may arise during your transaction. Keep mind that good players act as advisors -- not decision makers. Decision making is your job. After all, it' s your money on the line.
Need help drafting your "A team"?
We have a list of highly qualified lenders, insurance brokers, attorneys, home inspectors etc., that we have worked with on countless transactions. These are people we trust with our own business/personal needs which is why we are comfortable referring them to others.
So, if you need any recommendations to add to the list of people you'd like to speak with, just ask!
