NWA REAL ESTATE RESOURCE
I WANT TO BUY OR SELL MY HOME
Buildnwa.com has teamed up with some of the Very Best Realtors in the area to help you find a perfect fit.
As a free service to those who request more information, BuildNWA.com will connect you with 3-5 realtors that have been pre-interviewed and are believed to fit your needs.
Please fill out the contact me link below and someone from BuildNWA.com will contact you within 24 hours for a short conversation about your home and expectations.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CALL BACK. GET READY TO MEET THE BEST REALTORS NWA HAS TO OFFER.
Steps to buying a home
Determine your budgets and needs
Clarify why you want to buy a home and what you need in it. Assess your financial situation, including income, debts, and savings, to set a realistic budget
Check your credit and save for a down payment
Review your credit score and save for a down payment and closing costs.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Apply for mortgage pre-approval to know your loan amount and show sellers you are a serious buyer. This also saves time once your offer is accepted.
Work with a real estate agent or search on your own to find homes that meet your criteria. Attend showings and open houses.
Find a real estate agent and start house hunting
When you find a home you like, submit an offer with your agent’s help based on comparable sales and market conditions.
Make an offer
Negotiate terms with the seller until both parties agree on price and conditions.
Negotiate terms and sign a purchase agreement
Conduct a professional inspection to identify any issues. Use findings to negotiate repairs or price adjustments if needed. Home inspections do not cover everything, so schedule additional inspections if necessary.
Schedule a home inspection
The lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value matches the loan amount. You may need to renegotiate if the appraisal is low. Finalize your mortgage by submitting required documents and satisfying lender conditions during underwriting
Complete appraisal and secure financing
Purchase insurance to protect your investment, as most lenders require proof before closing.
Obtain homeowners insurance and prepare for closing
Before closing, inspect the home to ensure it is in the agreed condition. Sign all paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!
Do final walk-through and close the sale
Steps to selling a home
Set a timeline
Decide when you want to sell and create a timeline for the entire process, allowing several months for preparation and sale.
Find a trustworthy, experienced local real estate agent to help you price, market, and negotiate the sale of your home.
Find a real estate agent
Prepare your home
Clean, declutter, and make necessary repairs or upgrades to make your home attractive to buyers. Consider staging your home to showcase its best features.
Work with your agent to set a competitive and realistic price based on market conditions and comparable homes.
Set the right price
Your agent will list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other platforms, and schedule showings and open houses.
List your home
Evaluate offers not just on price but also terms, contingencies, and closing dates. Work with your agent to review the contract for potential savings and concerns. Negotiate with buyers to reach the best agreement.
Review offers and negotiate
Once you accept an offer, the home enters escrow, where a neutral third party ensures all contract terms are met before closing.
Enter escrow
The buyer will conduct a home inspection and appraisal. Be prepared to make repairs or negotiate price adjustments if issues arise.
Complete inspections and appraisals
Review and understand closing costs, sign all required legal documents, and ensure your home is ready for the buyer’s final walkthrough
Prepare for closing
Attend the closing appointment to sign documents, transfer ownership, hand over keys, and receive your proceeds. The transaction is finalized when the deed is recorded
Close the sale
HIRING A REALTOR
To effectively hire a realtor to buy or sell your home, begin by gathering referrals, researching potential agents online, and conducting interviews to assess their experience and approach. Once you've identified a few strong candidates, compare their offerings, including commission rates, and finalize your choice, ensuring you're comfortable with their representation.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
GATHER REFERRALS AND RESEARCH
Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, and other professionals like title officers and mortgage bankers for referrals to agents they've had positive experiences with.
Online Research: Check the websites and online profiles of potential agents, paying attention to reviews, ratings, and their online presence on social media.
Verify Licensing: Ensure the agent is licensed by your state's real estate regulator.
INTERVIEW POTENTIAL AGENTS
Schedule Interviews: Interview at least three different agents to compare their skills, experience, and approach to selling homes.
Discuss Experience and Specialization: Inquire about the agent's training, background, and any specific expertise they may have (e.g., luxury properties, specific neighborhoods).
Assess Marketing Strategies: Ask about their plan for marketing your property, including online listings, professional photography, and staging advice.
Discuss Pricing and Market Knowledge: Discuss the agent's estimated selling price range and their knowledge of local comparable sales (comps).
Clarify Communication Preferences: Establish your preferred mode of communication (e.g., phone, email) and discuss their availability.
Check for References: Ask for references from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction.
COMPARE AND CHOOSE
Compare Commission Rates: Review the agent's commission structure and ensure it aligns with your budget and expectations. Realtor fees average 1-3%.
Choose the Best Fit: Select the agent who best aligns with your needs, priorities, and communication style.
Sign the Listing Agreement: Once you've chosen your agent, sign the listing agreement, which formally outlines the terms of your agreement.