First, let me prefice in saying I love ALL buyers! But I thought a post dedicated to first timers was long overdue for a few reasons. For example, often times I have had first time buyers say to me"ohh.... no I don't need an agent, I am just going to work it on my own." Yeahh.... that is probably not your best bet, and I will let you in on the secrets as to why that is:
1. There is a lot to the market place that as a first timer you don't even realize you don't know or are missing out on.
2. Why limit yourself? If you are hitting up only open houses, or ads I should let you know that less than 5% of homes every have an open house, some agents don't even put ads in the local papers like the Winnipeg Real Estate News... so there is a lot of stuff you are missing out on.
3. You think you can find the perfect house online. Well, you can be close on this one, if you have discovered MLS.ca then that is awesome! Browse away, check it all out. As a Realtor I have access to those sames homes that you do, but with a lot more info, the actual address, the number of days on the market... etc. The one thing you cannot do with an online ad is actually see the house, yes the living room looks like it would fit your new 42" plasma screen TV.. but only seeing it in person can really answer that question. Not to mention that you need a feel for the place, you need to feel at home. Only a Realtor can let you in the door of a house listed on MLS.
4. Oh, actually this is important and should really be number one, but, here in Winnipeg and Manitoba, agents are FREE for buyers! Yes, you heard me, FREEEEE..... (believe me, this is the only freebee you get when buying a house, so grab on!)
5. Why wouldn't you want someone who represents only you? Believe me, there are a lot of sharks out there, so take the time to find a good Realtor that you connect with and can trust, then go looking for a home. That way if you encounter a nasty situation, you wont feel stuck on how to deal with it, you have someone on your side to help you.
and... wow... I could go on for a while answering questions and adding in some great info, especially info first timers have. I am going to redirect you to my website at www.kimberlygraham.com for more information. It is pretty much all there, and whatever isn't, drop me a line to let me know what you think is missing and I can add it in.
Oh wait! The most important part of this post... WHY I love first time buyers! Because, no matter what age or background, first timers have a certain something to them... they are not jaded to the process, they are eager, they are enthusiastic and fun, and most are not afraid to ask questions. I also adore that I get to be a part of that process for people, being involved in the major decisions of a person's life, well, it is frankly flattering! I am always honoured when a first timer chooses me, because there are a lot of choices out there, so I appreciate it. More than that, I like that this is the start of a life long business relationship together. And another little secret for you buyers to know: I love answering questions about real estate! Answering questions means I get to talk about one of my greatest loves... so thanks for that.
AND I love it when the buyers know that Realtors love them back... so I thought I would post this, and let you all know that!
