Jim Valentine: Questions for your agent

Your real estate agent is a good source of information for you. Your relationship will develop over time as you will spend a lot of time talking about many things during the process of finding and buying a home. It is helpful to understand that up front and start your relationship by using your agent too as the information-providing tool that they are.

If you are new to the real estate world, or haven’t bought a home in a long time, ask your agent about the process. How does your agent get paid? When is a good time to talk to your agent, i.e. - can you call at night if you have a question that has stopped your planning conversation with your spouse? Find out about other buyers that are out there by asking your agent about prices, multiple offers, etc.

One of the first things to do when you are thinking of buying a home is to get prequalified by a good lender so you know how much you can borrow and if there are any surprises in your credit history. Once in a while there are unexpected hiccups stemming from a very old credit item that wasn’t processed correctly, or an ex-spouse’s debt that is adversely affecting you as you were still married and knew nothing about it. Get qualified.

Ask your agent about changes in the community that could affect neighborhoods you are considering. These can be anything from a new subdivision that will fill in an open field, to a new arterial roadway or industry coming to town. Anything that will affect the views, traffic counts, noise, or other things that you are counting on being there when you move in. Change happens, but you want to make sure that it won’t compromise your enjoyment of your property, i.e. - a view being blocked by new construction.

When you decide to make an offer, you can ask your agent if the home is priced properly. This is a tricky question because it is sometimes easy to justify a certain price, but the market won’t bear it due to other considerations. Your agent should be able to assist you in assessing what dynamics come into play with a particular home to help you with perspective on the value and the price you are considering offering.

How long of an escrow should you write into your offer? Your agent will help you considering your wants and needs and the nature of the transaction. A cash offer can close quicker than one requiring a new loan, but the seller may not be able to close that fast. All things to be discussed with your agent. As you are getting ready to close escrow your agent will provide you with the names and contact details for changing the utilities over in a timely manner. Where will you get your mail? It isn’t always at the house these days. Who is a good local Insurance agent? You’ll need answers for many detail questions – be sure to ask them.

Your agent is good for more than just the real estate dynamics. Your agent can help you find a good steak in town if you are new to the area, locate your church, identify what schools your children will be going to depending on where you buy, etc. When you need a handyman, professional tradesman, inspector, lender, etc. your agent can help you sift through the names and give you the names of two or three good ones. There are many components to a real estate transaction that need to be considered the results of which are that your agent is well versed in many areas in which they can help you. Need a good attorney, CPA, dentist, etc.? Ask your agent.

Expedite your familiarity with your new environment by asking many questions. The sooner you get settled in the sooner you can begin to enjoy the great Northern Nevada lifestyle that you are moving here to enjoy.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your Real Estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com.