Buying a home?

Buying a home is a complex process. Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for many first-time home buyers because few know where or how to begin the home buying search.

The first step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with first-time home buyers and can show you the ropes. Because buying or selling a home involves such a large amount of money, the brokerage and real estate agent hired to represent your financial interests should easily meet your list of high quality standards.

Now, some people make the mistake of thinking that all home consultants or real estate agents are the same and, as with any profession, the cream of the crop sits shoulders above the rest. There are a large number of differences among agents.

And there are too many of them who are ready to take you on a ride. Better be ready with some decisive questions for your consultant. This will tell him that you can not be taken for granted.

The questions could be :
1) How Long Have You Been in the Business?

2) What is Your Best Action Plan or Strategy for My Needs?

3) Will You Please Provide References?

4) What documents are required and do you have a sample?

5) What are the charges: both lender and the consultant?

6) What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer?

7) What Haven't I Asked You That I Need to Know?

These questions will make him make the effort in providing the service you deserve.Real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both--and they can work as neutral facilitators for either party. It's essential to understand agent duties and loyalties before you make that first phone call.

Last but not the least, a successful real estate transaction requires cooperation from everyone associated with the sale. There are things you can do to help your agent, which in the long run gets you to closing faster and with fewer bumps along the way. Foremost being honest and transparent with the agent as much as you would like him to be the same.