Buying and selling a home is stressful and finding a good real estate agent is also stressful. You need an agent that will carry you through the buying and selling process. There are many real estate agents out there, and here are five signs to look for when choosing your real estate agent.

Honest

Honesty is vital in any relationship. If your agent makes a lot of promises and gives you endless affirmations, most likely, your agent is not being truthful. A good agent will not be afraid to be honest with you about your budget, what you can afford, and how to correctly price your home. Your real estate agent must tell you each property’s pros and cons and if it may be good in investment. An excellent real estate agent will not always tell you what you want to hear, and that is always a good thing.

Responsive and Available

Communication between you and your real estate agent is vital. An agent that doesn’t return your calls or emails or doesn’t guide you through the process can make things more stressful. Knowing the best way to contact your agent will help you choose an agent. In addition, asking questions like what days they are off and the best way to contact them will help you set your expectations and boundaries between you and your agent.

Experienced

It pays to have experience. While everyone has to start somewhere, choosing an agent with years of experience will be very beneficial for you. An agent with experience knows how to negotiate and guides you through financing and inspections. The best way to learn how much experience an agent has is to ask how many times they have renewed their licenses. Asking this question will teach you how long they have been a real estate agent. It varies state by state, but the average real estate agent renews their licenses between two and three years. Agents renew their license regularly without gaps can leave you confident that the agents succeed in closing deals.

Strong Network

Working with a real estate agent with a strong network can benefit you. Having a solid network shows that your agent has taken the time to build and cultivate a network of associated professionals. The network that your agent has created will make your experience go smoothly as possible. A good agent will have connections with professionals that can help in different situations such as financing, insurance, inspections, construction, trades, zoning, and more. You should be able to turn to your agent with a problem, and they will be able to give you the best recommendations that you can trust.

Familiar with the Area

Technically any agent can help you buy or sell a home. However, it will help you more if your agent knows the area you want to buy or sell a home. They can tell you the pros and cons of a neighborhood; they can answer questions about property taxes, water rates, local schools, etc. Also, if you are moving to a new state, you want a real estate agent that knows where to find the best homes that fit your lifestyle.

As a home buyer or seller, the real estate agent you select will make your experience pleasant or unbearable. Before choosing your agent, be sure your agent is honest, responsive, experienced, has a strong network, and is familiar with the area. These traits will help you get the best deals when it comes time to close on a home. For more real estate tips, go to www.nancyopensdoors.com.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Home

There are many advantages to owning a home, but there are disadvantages. If you are thinking about becoming a homeowner, you must weigh the pros and cons. Buying a home is one of the most significant investments in your life. Use this pros and cons list to determine if you are ready to purchase a home.

Pros:

Investing and Building Equity

Buying a home is a long-term investment. Your home’s value increases as you build equity. So over time, your home will appreciate in value. In July 2020, the average home price index went up 5.5%, according to the Home Price Insight Report. Whether you decide to sell or retire and downsize, you will walk away with a profit. The capital made can qualify you for a capital gains exclusion when you sell your home. In addition, it will allow you to enjoy the income tax-free. Be sure to meet with an accountant if you are unsure if you qualify.

Privacy and Control

Can you say total control? Unlike renting, buying a home gives you control over your home. For example, determining where you purchase your home, you may not need permission from the HOA or landlord to renovate your home to fit your lifestyle. You will not only have control, but you will also have privacy. Whether having a gathering or just relaxing in your backyard, you will have the privacy you need to do so in peace.

Improve Credit

You must maintain regular mortgage payments to build credit. As a result, your credit score will decrease when you take out a loan. Your credit score will go down because, on paper, it shows you took out a sizable loan that you have to pay off. However, as you make payments regularly, it will increase your credit score.

Cons:

Taxes and Fees

Owning a home comes with taxes and fees that will have to be paid regularly. Fees include property tax, HOA fees, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance, and more. Property taxes help pay for local services like roads, fire departments, schools, etc. Usually, your lender will include this in the monthly payment to the escrow account. If you purchase a home that operates under a homeowners association (HOA), expect to pay HOA fees that help pay for community amenities. More taxes and fees will be added to the list of payments as you go through the home buying process.

Upfront Cost

You would need a 20% down payment to become a homeowner in the past. However, you can qualify for a mortgage in today’s market with a 3% down payment. It may sound like a good deal to have a low down payment, but you will have a high monthly interest rate in return. Your mortgage insurance payments will be high as well.

Less Flexibility

When you are making the switch from renting to buying consider getting a rent to own agreement. You should also prepare to live in your home for at least 5 years if you want to make capital from selling your home. Being a homeowner does not give you the flexibility to live in an area for short periods of time if you plan to make money on your investment.

As a future home owner remember to do your research and weigh the pros and cons. By doing this you will determine if you are ready to purchase a home. Ask yourself if you are ready to settle down, can you afford the upfront cost, are you ready to improve your credit and are your ready to be in control of your home. For more helpful homeowner and realestate blogs go to www,nancyopensdoors.com.