SpringfieldHomeTeam.com Realtor's Suite

THE LEASE IS UP IN 4 MONTHS. WHEN CAN I BEGIN TO LOOK FOR A HOME?
	Right now! I will coordinate the closing with the expiration of your lease. Other options include a delayed closing or maybe we can rent back to the current owners until the expiration date. Sometimes the market conditions are so favorable to the buyer that it makes economic sense to adjust your timetable.

HOW MUCH DOWN PAYMENT WILL I NEED TO SAVE?
	That varies with your particular circumstance. You must be aware of the different types of loan programs that are available to you. Some loans require a minimum of 1% of the sale price as a down payment. Another may not require any down payment (such as VA and FMHA). Still other loans may have cash assistance options. The key is knowing your options. All loans have closing costs in addition to the down payment, and again, the cost can vary. Make sure your prospective lender or REALTOR provides you with a good faith estimate of the settlement charges.

WHY CAN'T I FIND A HOME FIRST AND THEN CALL THE AGENT ON THE SIGN?
	You can. However, if you do find a home and call the agent named on the sign, please keep in mind that this agent is repesenting the seller. While you should receive fair treatment, the seller's agent is NOT representing you, or your best interests. Sometimes, simply finding a potential home can be a difficult process. If you are not working with a REALTOR, your choices may be limited by the fact that not all houses are held open, and other homes may be sold before you even know they are on the market. On the other hand, a REALTOR has access to a multilist of all available properties for sale including the very latest listings. Upon review of this up-to-date multilist, an agent working on your behalf has the ability to bring you a greater choice of candidate homes than you could find on your own.

WHY DO I NEED AN AGENT TO LIST MY HOME? CAN'T I SELL IT MYSELF?
	Sure, you can sell it yourself, but consider that your marketing efforts will generally be reaching a very small percentage of available buyers. Your home will not be listed in the multilist, which is where REALTORS looking for homes for their buyers look for properties. Also, how do you know the person on your front step is qualified to buy your home? A REALTOR checks out his or her clients, prequalifies them to purchase the home they are looking at, and knows they are seriously in the market for a house. Another important aspect is the major concern of a lawsuit. REALTORS know the disclosure laws and the intricacies involved in selling real estate. If you miss something here, you could be opening yourself up to a major legal action. All in all, choosing a professional to represent you in any real estate transaction is just a good idea.

SHOULD I REMODEL, OR BUY ANOTHER HOME?
	According to the National Association of Remodelers, the test is the 10% rule. If the cost of remodeling is greater than 10% of the value of your home, then you should seriously consider buying another home.

WHY SHOULD RON BE MY REALTOR?
	Because of the three words; trust, effort, and sincerity. You can be certain that any details of our relationship will remain confidential. I will give you an honest, persistent effort. It is sincerely my desire to be your REALTOR even after the sale has closed. You have a desire, and I want to help. Allow me the opportunity to serve you.