I find that many first-time homebuyers looking for homes for sale in Kansas City, Liberty, and Smithville often start their search on the Internet which is a great place to start looking for information.
But what do you do next when you are ready to start visiting homes? The thing you should NOT do is call the listing agent of each home you want to see and ask for an appointment. You see, the listing agent represents the seller; NOT you the homebuyer.
So, before you pick up the phone or request a showing online, here are 2 things you need to do first:
1. Hire a Buyer Specialist.
Buyer Specialists are usually found on real estate teams where some agents on the team specialize in representing sellers and other specialize in representing buyers. The best representation you can receive will be that of a Buyer Specialist. This agent shows homes to buyers every week and help you locate the home that works best for you. Likely this agent has already been in the home that will work best for you!
A Buyer Specialist can only represent you if you sign an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement. Otherwise, a Buyer Specialist can take you to see homes, but by Missouri law, the agent showing you the home technically represents the seller.
2. Get Pre-Approved with a Reputable Local Lender
So first sign an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement and then, before you visit any homes, apply with a local reputable lender. If you want your home purchase to go as smoothly as possible, I recommend using one of the lenders recommended by your Buyer Specialist. Your Buyer Specialist already has a working relationship with this lender and knows how the lender works and the best way to get in touch with the lender they recommend. When your lender and your Buyer Specialist are communicating, they are working on your transaction which means things go better for you.
If you choose to work with your own lender, give your Buyer Specialist all the contact info for your lender.
Do NOT use an online lender! You never know what you'll get and if things go awry, wouldn't it be better to confront your lender by looking them directly in the eye rather than over the phone?
You know you are ready to start looking at homes when your lender gives you a pre-approval letter. This means that they have verified all your information by getting copies of your W-2's, bank statements and paycheck stubs plus whatever else they may ask you for.
A seller will be most impressed with your offer when you present your pre-approval letter along with your offer!
PLEASE KNOW THIS...you will not be required to give any money to your Buyer Specialist. The seller pays their commission. ALSO, you will only be required to give money to your lender when you have found a home to purchase. So the advice and counsel of your Buyer Specialist and your lender is FREE! There is never an obligation to purchase a home prior to you being under contract!
To speak to a Buyer Specialist to learn more, please call me, Elizabeth Gilbert at 816-268-4444, 816-721-9400 or email me at egilbert@kw.com. I'm happy to speak with you about your needs and how I can best assist you!
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