Help Your San Antonio REALTOR^® Do The Best Job For You
 
There's a lot involved in a real estate transaction – approvals, finding the house you want to buy, placing your home on the market, negotiation, closing – it's a big job. Many people rely on San Antonio REALTORS^® to handle things, and that's a smart decision … they are the experts and heeding their advice will help you out in the long run. But there's a lot both buyers and sellers can do to make the process smoother. Consider these steps, and you'll be much happier at closing.

Get pre-approved by your lender
This is an important step. You don’t want to waste anyone’s time, including your own, by looking at homes that are way out of your budget.

Also, you won't have to wait to make an offer if you find a house you love when you're pre-approved. And in some areas where houses are in great demand, that's a plus. Showing proof that you've been pre-approved also gives the sellers a greater degree of confidence in you – they know you mean business. You'll also have a better idea of how much you might expect to pay in closing costs and can start preparing for that day.

What do you really want?
There's no doubt that it's hard to find the ideal home. Like most things in life, nothing is absolutely perfect, so you should think long and hard about your expectations for your new home - whether you're moving up into a dream home or buying your first house.

If you really want a close-in location, you may have to give up some of the amenities that come with buying a newer home. Conversely, if you like the idea of a brand-new home, you should be prepared for the possibility that you won't get the heavily-treed backyard you've always wanted.

Talk through your thoughts and then share that information with your San REALTOR^®. As he or she gains an understanding of your needs and wants, they will be able to show you properties that fits your situation.

Communication is key
Now that you’ve told your San Antonio REALTOR^® what you want in a home, it's crucial to maintain regular communication – and that can mean having an open mind.

You will obviously choose the houses you want to see, but don't discount the recommendations your San Antonio REALTOR^® makes. They could have an inside track on the fixer-upper that just might be your dream house. Besides using traditional tools like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), we San Antonio REALTORS^® like to network … and we often talk about each other’s client's needs.

Be timely
If you've discovered THE house, don't dilly-dally. Real estate is tricky and timing can be everything. Even a verbal acceptance of a contract means nothing unless there's a signature, so be available and act quickly. You should also be at your home and pest inspections, if possible, so you can see things firsthand.

Let them know
For sellers, remember that you're the one who can provide the most accurate information about the condition of your house. If you have the original inspection from your home's purchase, it can be incredibly helpful to your listing agent.

Buyers want to make informed decisions, so your San Antonio REALTOR^® will also want to know such things as your home's age, the condition of the roof and the hot water heater, property taxes and other details. Under the law, you must disclose all known defects … not just the amenities. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do.

Also, when it comes to selling a home, a good marketing strategy is important so that interested buyers know about your property. Most San Antonio REALTORS^® employ some or all of the following:

  •   For Sale sign on property
  •   Photographs for fliers and the Internet
  •   Lockbox on the front door so other Texas REALTORS^® can freely show your house to their buyer clients
  •   MLS information to local real estate association
  •   Ads in the newspaper
  •   E-mail fliers about your home to potential buyers
  •   Posting on various Web sites
  •   Appointments for showings (which requires you to be flexible)
  •   Open houses

Follow these suggestions and you'll be taking an active role in selling or buying your next house - and you’ll be much happier and more informed at closing. For more great real estate tips, I encourage you to visit the property search section of SABOR.com.