Real Estate Agent Connection - Central Florida
Before You Buy or Sell Your Home
Too often, people choose a Real Estate Agent by playing "Realtor Roulette" and leaving whether they’ve found a good agent to sell or find their home to chance. There is a better way to find an excellent local Realtor without the time consuming interview process, hassles and guesswork. Real Estate Agent Connection – Central Florida provides this service -- free, quick, easy and with no obligation.
FAQs
Why should I use a real estate agent?
If I'm a buyer, do I pay my real estate agent a commission?
What is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?
What is the difference between prequalified and preapproved for a loan?
Resources
Top Things to Know Before You Buy
How to Prepare Your House for Sale
FAQs
What is an agent?
A person authorized to work on another’s behalf-for instance, a person authorized to sell or buy a house on your behalf.
Why should I use a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is more than just a "sales person." They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance and doing a job - helping you buy or sell a home. Due to the fast changing market, the data on available listings is not 100% accurate. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.
There are two types of agents, "Buyer's Agents" and "Seller's Agents". It used to be common for all parties involved to work for the seller, hence the term "Seller's Agent". Nowadays, you will most often find a different type of agent, the "Buyer's Agent". If you are in the market to buy, it would be advisable to use a Buyer's Agent. They can make recommendations on what terms and prices to offer as well as negotiating a deal with your best interest in mind. If you happen to be working with a Seller's Agent, never disclose to them the top dollar you are willing to pay for any property. Keep it narrowed down only to things that you would tell the seller directly.
If I'm a buyer, do I pay my real estate agent a commission?
Typically, the commission is paid by the seller to the listing brokerage. The listing brokerage divides the commission with the broker of the agent who brings an offer (the buyer's agent).
What is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?
The terminology used to identify real estate professionals differs a little from state to state. Brokers are usually required to have more education and experience than real estate agents. The person you normally deal with is a real estate agent. The salesperson is licensed by the state, but must work for a broker. All listings are placed in the broker's name, not the real estate agents.
What is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved for a loan?
The difference between being prequalified and preapproved is simple:
If you're prequalified it means that you POTENTIALLY could get a loan for the amount stated to you, assuming that all of the information given was accurate and true.
If you're preapproved, it means that you have undergone the extensive financial background check - which includes looking at your credit history, previous tax returns and verifying your employment - and the lender is willing to give you a loan. You're APPROVED! So, they give you a letter that states such and it is valid for approximately 60 days thereafter.
Notwithstanding the above, you will have an accurate figure which shows the maximum amount that you are approved for. Most sellers prefer buyers that have been preapproved because they know that there will not be any problems with the purchase of their home.
What is a down payment?
A down payment is the money you pay up front for the purchase of a home.
What is commission?
The fee an agent earns for the sale of a home - usually a percentage of the selling price.
What is a short sale?
The sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property's loan. It often occurs when a borrower cannot pay the mortgage loan on their property, but the lender decides that selling the property at a moderate loss is better than pressing the borrower. Both parties consent to the short sale process, because it allows them to avoid foreclosure, which involves hefty fees for the bank and poorer credit report outcomes for the borrowers. This agreement, however, does not necessarily release the borrower from the obligation to pay the remaining balance of the loan, known as the deficiency.
What is a bank owned home?
A home that has undergone a foreclosure due to a home owner's inability to pay the mortgage. In this case, the bank has taken back the property.
Resources
Below are helpful resources that could help you in determining your needs.
Having the help of a real estate expert has proved to be the best investment buyers/sellers make in ensuring they reach a successful, stress free transaction closing.
Top Things to Know Before You Buy
Get a head start in learning about some of the things your real estate professional will help you to understand during your transaction. Your agent will be a trusted, experienced, and knowledgeable guide as you make decisions about the home you purchase.
How To Prepare Your House For Sale
Here's a few of many home selling tips that a real estate agent will provide you in preparing for solid offers to buy your home. The help of an experienced agent that has firsthand knowledge of home selling success is key in obtaining your desired outcome.
Use this calculator to help you determine the home price range that is right for you. These tools are an excellent way to help point your real estate agent in the right direction as he/she searches for the home that fits your needs.