March 4, 2010
Do I need a realtor to buy my first house, or is the selling realtor my realtor?
Heather asked:
I am looking into switching from renting an apartment to buying a house. But I do not know if I need a separate realtor for myself other than the realtor who is selling the house? And do I need a loan officer before I go to the showing of the house?
Home Staging Atlanta
I am looking into switching from renting an apartment to buying a house. But I do not know if I need a separate realtor for myself other than the realtor who is selling the house? And do I need a loan officer before I go to the showing of the house?
Home Staging Atlanta
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Comments on Do I need a realtor to buy my first house, or is the selling realtor my realtor?
4:21 am
Home Staging Atlanta
No you don’t need a buying agent (realtor on the buyer’s side) but it will make your life a lot easier. The best part about having a buyers agent is that the person selling the house is the one who pays the commission for your agent not you.
You also don’t need a loan officer before you go looking at houses, but if you get pre-approved by a loan officer before you go it makes it easier as the loan officer will let you know how much you can afford to pay for a home. Having a pre-approval letter beforehand also lets you move quicker if you find a home you like and lets the seller know that you’re serious.
5:09 am
Home Staging Atlanta
As a Realtor, don’t use the listing agent.
Get your own Realtor…you won’t get a discount for not having one.
The listing agent will probably make about 6% commission on the home.
If you use the listing agent as your agent, you’ll still pay the same for the house and the listing agent keeps the full 6%.
If you use your own agent…they can help you negotiate…find out things that the seller may not tell you…and the listing agent has to split the commission with your Realtor.
So…get the representation that you are paying for anyway.
1:29 am
Home Staging Atlanta
expert realtor gave you great advise. To add to it, I suggest you speak with a loan officer to see how much home you can afford based on your income, debt, credit, etc. Once you have the number you need, then you find a Realtor who can show you houses based on your budget.
9:52 am
Home Staging Atlanta
You have a lot of questions! That’s the right attitude to have when considering buying your first home. So to address each question:
Q1) Do I need a realtor to buy my first house?
A) Only to help you find a home you’d like to buy if you cannot do it by yourself.
Q2) Is the selling realtor my realtor?
A) No, you don’t have any agreement with this person so they are not your realtor.
Q3) Do I need a loan officer before I go to the showing of the house?
A) No, you don’t need a loan officer. But you will want to get pre-qualified for a loan before you start looking to buy your first home and have enough money in savings for your down payment and closing costs. Some people use loan brokers for this, but you can by pass this step (and save money, too) and go straight to a mortgage company in order to pre-qualify.
Good luck!