This guide will cover how to find the best realtor for homebuyers and sellers. Hiring the right real estate agent is one of the most important factors in the home-buying process. Ronda Butts is the director of the preferred realtor referral network at Gustan Cho Associates. Ronda shares her view on the importance the realtor plays in the home-buying process:
The realtor is the quarterback between the lender and the buyers. The real estate agent’s job is to recommend to what price to list the home for the seller.
The real estate agent should not just have years of professional experience but should know the ins and outs of the area where you are shopping for a home. The real estate agent should know everything about the school districts, government services, local politics, politicians, parks, activities for children, and other amenities of the area as well as the cons. This article will discuss and cover selecting the right real estate agent.
How To Find The Best Realtor Experienced In The Homebuying Process
Selecting A Real Estate Agent For First Time Home Buyers should not be stressful or difficult. Selecting A Real Estate Agent For First Time Home Buyers is important because the realtor and the home buyers need to get along, and buyers need to feel comfortable. Dino Hasapis shares realtors will assist homebuyers in the homebuying process.
The buyer’s realtor will assist the buyer with what price they should place an offer, the contingencies, the amount of seller concession to ask, and work with the buyer’s lender.
All realtors are not created equal. Many realtors work part-time. Some real estate agents prefer to work with seasoned home buyers so they do not have to hold their hands. Yet, other realtors have banker hours, and it takes them a few days to get back to their clients.
How To Find The Best Realtor For Homebuyers and Sellers
First-time home buyers should interview several realtors before choosing which realtor they want to represent them. Many real estate agents specialize in helping first-time homebuyers realize their American dream of home ownership become a reality. Some realtors are Accredited Buyers’ representatives. What is a Buyer’s Representative? Dino Hasapis shares his thoughts on the importance of the Accredited Buyer’s Representative.
An Accredited Buyer’s Representative advocates for the buyer, protecting their best legal and personal interests throughout the real estate transactions.
Many realtors specialize in working with home buyers who are first-time home buyers by educating them throughout the home buying and mortgage process and helping them achieve their dreams come true!!! Sellers have realtors working hard representing them, so why can’t home buyers have real estate agents represent them? Many talented, experienced real estate agents specialize in being home buyer’s representatives represent home buyers.
Certified Distressed Property Expert
Many experienced real estate agents deal with distressed properties. Many real estate agents always take pride in their service and client commitment. Many first-time homebuyers become lifelong family friends with their realtors and benefit from inheriting a real estate expert to be part of their family.
In the past four years, and with today’s economic troubles, many realtors have been helping more and more families avoid foreclosure whenever possible. Realtors do this by specializing in short sales and getting certified as Certified Distressed Property Experts.
Many real estate agents share what they have mastered with their extensive training. Some receive advanced training and get the CDPE: Certified Distressed Property Expert designation.
How To Find The Best Realtor With CDPE Certification
As a CDPE, she is a master and expert in helping at-risk families avoid foreclosure and preserve their financial futures as much as possible.
There are currently over 1 million licensed Realtors in the United States. Less than 41,000 have earned this prestigious specialized designation!
Many real estate agents believe their clients deserve more and get as much knowledge and training as possible. Many devoted realtors study and research the latest real estate and mortgage financing market news. Armed with the prestigious CDPE designation, many realtors are prepared to help distressed families solve the foreclosure crisis one family at a time.
How To Find The Best Realtor Who Knows Specialty Lenders
Another great benefit of working with top-producing real estate agents is their close relationships with specialty lenders. Many realtors will qualify homebuyers with lenders that specialize in the following:
- Non-QM loans
- No-Doc loans
- Construction loans
- ITIN Mortgages
- Commercial loans
- Hard money loans
- HELOCs
- Credit scores as low as 500 FICO
- To qualify for a 3.5% down payment FHA Loan, you need 580 credit scores
- Credit scores between 500 and 579 need a 10% down payment
- Home buyers can qualify for a mortgage with prior bankruptcy and foreclosures, but to meet the minimum waiting period
- There is a two-year waiting period on FHA Loans after the discharge of Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Three years waiting period after the recording date of foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or short sale
- Open collections, late payments, charge-offs, judgments, and tax liens do not have to be paid with lenders with no overlays.
- High debt-to-income ratio
- Most lenders with overlays have a cap of 45% debt-to-income ratio
- However, many real estate agents have access to lenders that can cap the debt-to-income ratio up to 56.9%
- Bank statement mortgage loans for self-employed individuals.
- Homebuyers on a fixed income such as social security, disability, and pension income
- Home buyers with little or bad credit and no credit tradelines
- 90% Loan to Value non-QM and jumbo Loans
- Condotel Financing
- 24-hour underwriting and 2-week closings
Gustan Cho Associates has immediate pre-approvals and credit counseling seven days per week.
Selecting A Real Estate Agent For First-Time Home Buyers: Renting Versus Buying
There are so many benefits of being a homeowner versus a renter. Are you a renter? Do you want to know if you qualify for a home? If you have income, you will qualify. Angie Torres, the national operations director at Gustan Cho Associates, shares her thoughts on how to find the best realtor for your home purchase:
Additionally, consider the Realtor’s availability. Are they able and willing to work around your schedule and accommodate your needs? If you have specific or additional requirements for your new home, ensure the Realtor understands your needs and is committed to finding a property that meets your criteria.
The Team at Gustan Cho Associates Mortgage Group is available seven days per week, including weekends. Deciding on the right Realtor is one of the most critical decisions when buying a home. A good Realtor can distinguish between a smooth and successful home-buying experience and a stressful one. With so many real estate agents, how do you choose the right one? Here are some great insightful tips to help you make the right decision.
How To Find The Best Realtor By Researching The Agent First
Do your research first. Look for Realtor in your area and read reviews from past clients. Ask for referrals from associates, family members, and friends who recently bought or sold a home. Once you have a list of possible realtors, schedule a time to talk with them to discuss your needs and preferences.
First, make sure you’re working with a licensed Realtor. A license means they have the education and training to represent you during home-buying. You can check with your state’s real estate commission to confirm that your Realtor is licensed and in good standing.
Next, look for a Realtor with experience in the area of choice and type of home you want to buy. For example, if you’re buying a condo, you’ll want a Realtor familiar with the market and the different rules and regulations. Similarly, if you’re looking to buy a historic home, you’ll want a Realtor who understands the unique challenges and opportunities.
How To Find The Best Realtor By Researching Experience and Track Record
Another vital factor to consider is your Realtor’s reputation and track record. Look for recent reviews or testimonials from past clients to understand the Realtor’s strengths and weaknesses. You can also ask for contacts and speak directly with past clients to understand what working with this Realtor is like.
You may get multiple referrals of real estate agents from friends, associates, loan officers, and other third-party real estate professionals. However, every referred realtor needs to be fully vetted. Check online reviews, see how long they have been in business, and confirm they never had any regulatory actions.
It’s also essential to find a Realtor who communicates well with you. You want someone who is alert and responsive to your questions and concerns and keeps you updated throughout the buying process. A good Realtor should be able to discuss and explain the home-buying process to you in a way that makes common sense and helps you feel at ease and secure as you move forward.
Not All Licensed Agents are the Same
Knowing the difference between a local real estate agent and a Realtor is important. While both are licensed to sell properties, a Realtor is a member partner of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and has agreed to follow a strict code of ethics. This means that the Realtor is held to a higher standard of professionalism and integrity. Once you see a potential candidate, you can schedule a meeting with them.
You also want to ensure you feel at ease and comfortable with your Realtor. You want someone patient, understanding, knowledgeable, and willing to listen and work alongside you to find the right home for your needs and budget. Home-buying can be stressful, so having a Realtor who makes you feel assured and supported every step of the way is essential.
During the meeting, inquire about the Realtor’s industry experience, expertise, knowledge of the area’s local market, and communication style. You want to join with and partner with someone who is responsive to your needs and can effectively communicate with you throughout the buying process.
What Type of Brokerage Does the Agent Work for?
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a Realtor is the type of brokerage they work for. Many brokerages exist, from small independent companies to large national chains. Each type of brokerage has its benefits and disadvantages; the right selection will depend on your needs and preferences. John Strange shares the following:
An independent brokerage may be the right choice if you want a personal touch and a more customized approach. These smaller companies often specialize in specific neighborhoods or types of homes and can provide more personalized service.
On another note, a national chain may be better if you want a wider selection of homes and a more established brand. Other factors to consider when choosing a brokerage include their reputation, level of experience, and the services they offer. Some brokerages may offer additional services like mortgage and insurance services, which can be helpful when buying a home.
What Is the Realtor’s Communication Style?
Another important factor to contemplate when choosing a Realtor is their communication style. You want to work with a Realtor who is easy to get in contact with and who will keep you advised throughout the buying process. John Strange, a veteran loan officer at Gustan Cho Associates, shares his thoughts on how to find the best realtor:
A good Realtor should be responsive to your questions and concerns and should be able to provide consistent regular updates on the progress of your home search.
To understand a Realtor’s communication style, try contacting them by phone or email and see how quickly they respond. You can also ask them about their style and preferred method of communication and how often they typically check in with clients.
How To Find The Best Realtor For Homebuyers and Sellers
The best real estate agent to represent you is a crucial part of home-buying. Review your options, ask questions, and choose someone with the experience, communication skills, availability, and personality who best fits your needs.
The best guarantee on how to find the best realtor for your home purchase is due your own online research. Check reviews. Find out how many deals they have closed in the past 12 months.
A frequently asked question at Gustan Cho Associates, LLC is how to find the best realtor for your home purchase. You need a full-time realtor with many years of experience who knows the area. With the right by your side, you can feel confident that you’ll find the perfect home for you and your family.
Dually Licensed Realtor-MLO Professionals
Ronda Butts is a dually licensed realtor and mortgage loan originator for Gustan Cho Associates. Ronda is an expert in working with first-time home buyers. Ronda Butts is an expert real estate consultant at Gustan Cho Associates. Ms. Butts has a five-star reputation for always going above and beyond. She is always eager to help her clients by educating them with tips and advice on buying their first home.
Ronda Butts knows the Florida, Texas, Idaho, Tennessee, and Alabama area more than any other realtor. First Time Home Buyers will be in great hands with Ronda Butts.
Dale Elenteny is a Senior Mortgage Adviser with Gustan Cho Associates. Dale brings more than 30 years of mortgage experience. Dale and Ronda are a team. Dale and Ronda are experts in helping renters realize the dream of home ownership becoming a reality. Stay tuned for more videos and blogs from Ronda Butts should you decide to buy before you begin looking for a home.
Dually Licensed Realtor-MLO Available 7 Days a Week
Ronda Butts can take you through the entire financing process for your home loan. Ronda can connect you to third-party professionals such as home inspectors, title companies, attorneys, and real estate agents in your area that can help as needed. Call or text Ronda at 407-460-7999 or email at ronda@gustancho.com for more information and further assistance.
Ronda Butts does not represent buyers or sellers but offers free consultations in 48 states at Gustan Cho Associates by connecting homeowners, buyers, and sellers.
Ronda is an experienced, dually licensed real estate agent and mortgage originator. Ronda has successfully guided many homeowners through obtaining a home on both the lending and real estate side. If you need to qualify for a mortgage or need a realtor referral, you can contact Ronda Butts at 407-460-7999. Text Ronda for a faster response. Or email Ronda at ronda@gustancho.com.
