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Buying a Home
Buying a home
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases and biggest decisions of your life. The first thing to do is to find a REALTOR® you trust.
Choosing a REALTOR®
Ask your friends and relatives who have bought homes recently for their recommendations. Or, you can use the find-a-REALTOR® search to locate a REALTOR® in your area.
Before working with a REALTOR®, you should know that the duties of the REALTOR® depend on whom the REALTOR® represents.
Many REALTORS® specialize as buyer's agents, representing clients who are searching for their next home. These agents can save you time and money by researching properties based on your criteria, helping you secure the best mortgage rates, counseling you on the offer amount and terms most favorable to you, and negotiating on your behalf.
For buyers, there's really no downside to hiring a REALTOR® because the seller generally pays buyer's-agent commissions. Many buyer's agents have earned the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation from the National Association of REALTORS® Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council.
If you choose not to use a buyer's agent, you could negotiate directly with the listing agent representing the owner.
All brokers must treat you honestly and fairly regardless of whom they represent.
If you choose to have a REALTOR® represent you, you should enter into a written contract that clearly establishes the obligation of both parties and specifies how your REALTOR® will be compensated.