Any advice for a first time home buyer...should i get a realtor?

we are first time home buyers.....help!!!....should we get a realtor?.....we have found homes we want to look at and they are all listed threw agents? What are the costs of getting a realtor? Any information on for sale by owner?......lease/purchase option........or land contract?Any advice for a first time home buyer...should i get a realtor?
I would get a realtor, however, check with friends or family to be sure that the one you choose is reputable. Don't let yourself be talked into anything, read all the papers. Also, you could try to find a mortgage company i.e. your bank, or another company. See if you can get pre approved, so you know what you have to spend. We tried to buy a home, sometime ago. Our realtor was our landlord, and it didn't work out very well. Just know what you want and don't settle. Good luckAny advice for a first time home buyer...should i get a realtor?
';but it can be yours or the sellers';





Forget that, get your OWN buyer's agent who will look out for YOUR interests.





Yes, as a first time buyer go with an Agent. You need to do a myriad of research in order to know exactly what you get into with land contracts, buyer finance, contract etc. You can lose a whole lot of money.





Good luck!
First thing you must do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-qualified means nothing. You then go to a realtor and ask to see the properties you like. They show you and you make an offer. In many states, you will need to put down a 1% good faith payment with your offer. Your realtor will guide you though the whole process.
Yes you should use a Realtor. Let's just put the money out there. The seller pays the commission in most situations. So you get to use someone who is experienced, has negotiating skills and knows the inventory pretty well. Why wouldn't you use a Realtor? Your Realtor looks out for your interests, listens to your needs and follows your instructions on what you want to have happen. They are evreryones best resource for free to buyers!





Yet they clump us with car salesmen. Well, I don't want to just make a sale, I want to make sure this is your dream come true and that it's a smooth transaction, because I want you to be just tickled pink about your new place.
Make sure you do a land survey on the property.


Yes. A Realtor helps, but it can be yours or the sellers.


They are required by law to disclose information either way.


Not like a lawyer, who only represents their own client.


A realtor represents the property...not the owner/seller.


You will pay closing costs for their service either way...use them for all they are worth....call them constantly with questions. LOL.





By Owner sales are ';iffy';. Make sure you look over everything and understand it...if not...hire a realtor, or a real estate attourney. Land contract I know nothing about, or the lease/purchase. Your realtor can help there.


My 2 cents.





Oh...and if you hire your own agent...like a realtor...they split fees. You still pay the same, but get your own way. And push them for that. Be agressive. Do not be intimidated. Your choice. Up to you. House shopping is not fun. Man your guns!!!!





~T