Very often homebuyers prefer a classroom environment to review the many aspects and considerations leading to a home purchase and beyond. Because home buying can be a stressful and intimidating process, classroom instruction without the pressures of the marketplace can prove to be an invaluable way to prepare oneself for the realities of home buying. It has been said that being prepared is half the battle in the home buying process; some experts contend that it is the entire war.
In the same vein, psychologists tell us that one of the most effective approaches to stress or a stressful situation is the achievement of a sense of control. With these factors in mind, we have designed a step-by-step presentation that outlines the ten most important things you should know and do as a buyer, the ultimate goal being to place you in the highest negotiating position possible when the time for presenting an Offer to Purchase arrives.
Ten Crucial Areas
1. Becoming Prepared: A Buying Team Approach.
2. Know who is representing whom.
3. Choosing a lender.
4. Choosing your real estate attorney.
5. Viewing properties meeting your criteria.
6. Determining True Market Value of a Home.
7. Pre-Offer Strategies - Negotiating from a Solid Position.
8. Understanding the Offer to Purchase and Purchase & Sale Agreements.
9. Choosing a home inspector.
10. Preparing to close on your new home!
Agency Relationships
In a recent nationwide survey, it was revealed that an astounding number of homeowners mistakenly believed that the real estate broker who sold them their home was representing their interests in the transaction that took place, when in fact, the opposite was true; the broker had both a legal and fiduciary relationship with the seller. In the seminar presentation, agency relationships are clearly defined.
All real estate agents are NOT the same and you, as a consumer, should be acutely aware of the legal differences. Listing Agent, Seller's Agent, Disclosed Dual Agent, Sub-Agent, Buyer Agent, Exclusive Buyer Agent; who are they? Who do the represent? What factors should be considered before selecting the appropriate agent to work for you?
Materials
Participants receive a full packet of written information covering such topics as choosing a home inspector, getting the best mortgage rate and more.
About the Instructors
Seminars are conducted by various agents.
In most cases, a mortgage representative, real estate attorney and home inspector are also present at these seminars to answer your questions about the mortgage, legal and inspection process, and will provide written information and materials. Participating instructors typically make themselves available to registrants after the session.
Cost
A nominal fee is charged for some seminars depending on the sponsor of the Continuing Education Program.
