Tag Archive for: First Time Home Buyer

PMI

How to Remove Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

/in /by

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve likely heard the term Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI. Do you know what it is? And more importantly, how to remove PMI from your mortgage?

We’re here to help.

What is PMI?

From Freddie Mac: For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage.

It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%. While PMI is an initial added cost, it enables you to buy now and begin building equity versus waiting five to 10 years to build enough savings for a 20% down payment.

While the amount you pay for PMI can vary, you can expect to pay approximately between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.

How can you remove PMI?

Private Mortgage Insurance can be removed from your mortgage under the following circumstances.

  1. You put down 20% (or more) when you purchase your home.
  2. If you plan to stay in the home for many years, ask your Loan Officer about paying for PMI upfront instead of monthly.
  3. PMI is automatically removed by your mortgage loan servicer when your balance reaches 78% of the original purchase price.
  4. Refinance your mortgage when you have 20% equity in the home and PMI will be removed.

Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members who purchase a home with a VA Loan will not be charged PMI (no matter how much money they put down).

When meeting with your Loan Officer, ask which option is best for you. They will help guide you in the right direction.

If you have additional questions about PMI, or the mortgage process in general, give us a call.

Buying a House

Five Things You Should Know Before Buying a House

/in /by

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions people make in their lifetime. Whether it’s your first home or a new property to add to your investment portfolio, purchasing a house requires careful consideration of several factors.

Here are the five things people should know before buying a house.

Know Your Budget

Buying a HouseBefore you start house hunting, it’s crucial to determine how much you can afford to spend on a house. Make sure you factor in all the costs associated with homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses. You’ll also need to consider your down payment and closing costs. Knowing your budget helps you narrow down your search and ensures you don’t get in over your head with a home you can’t afford.

Location is Key

The location of a property is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a house. The location affects the home’s value, your commute to work, access to amenities, and the quality of the schools. Before you make an offer, research the neighborhood’s crime rates, property values, and proximity to public transportation, shopping centers, and other essential amenities. You’ll also want to consider the property’s proximity to major highways or airports if you travel frequently.

Work with a Local Lender

Local mortgage lenders offer personalized service that can help homebuyers navigate the complex process of obtaining a mortgage. Local lenders are familiar with local market conditions. We know our local neighborhoods, so we know what’s going, what the trends are, and we use that knowledge when helping buyers obtain mortgages. In a competitive market, a pre-approval from a local lender can help your offer stand out among the rest.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

A Real Estate Agent can help guide you through the home buying process, negotiate on your behalf, and offer valuable insights into the local real estate market. A knowledgeable and experienced Real Estate Agent can help you find properties that meet your needs and budget, navigate the home inspection process, and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is completed correctly.

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

A home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process. It helps you identify potential issues with the property before you finalize the purchase. A professional home inspector will thoroughly examine the property’s structure, electrical systems, plumbing, and other essential components to ensure everything is in good working condition. If the inspection reveals any problems, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to make repairs or adjust the sale price to account for the necessary fixes.

By knowing your budget, considering the location, hiring a real estate agent, conducting a home inspection, and working with a local lender, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect property for your needs.

First-Time Buyer

Loan Programs Available for First-Time Buyers

/in /by

Michigan Mortgage offers multiple loan options designed to help first-time home buyers achieve the American Dream.

FHA Loans.

First-Time BuyerThese loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This type of loan may be more attractive to someone who has less than perfect credit. They require a down payment of at least 3.5% of the purchase price.

VA Loans.

These loans are available to military veterans and active-duty service members (and their families) and are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They do not required a down payment and may have more flexible credit requirements.

USDA Loans.

These loans are available to buyers in rural areas and are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They do not require a down payment so this loan may be perfect for someone with less money saved.

Conventional Loans.

These loans are not back by the government and may have stricter credit and down payment requirements. However, they often have lower mortgage insurance premiums and may be a good option for buyers with good credit and a down payment as low as 3% of the purchase price.

MSHDA Loans.

The MI State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers assistance programs for first-time home buyers, including down payment assistance zero-interest loans.

At Michigan Mortgage, we specialize in making the process as easy as possible for first-time buyers. We are Michigan’s leading lender for first-time buyers and are always available outside of “normal” business hours to help guide you home.

To see how we can help you, contact us today!

Homeownership

What are the benefits of homeownership?

/in /by

Owning a home is a quintessential part of the American dream. Homes give families a sense of security and belonging. Homes are where holidays are celebrated and memories are made.

Homeownership has a variety of practical benefits, too:

  • HomeownershipBuilding equity: As you make mortgage payments, you build equity in your home, which is the difference between your home’s market value and how much you owe on your mortgage. As your equity grows, you can borrow against it or use it to secure a second mortgage.
  • Tax advantages: Homeowners may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from their federal income taxes. This can result in significant savings over the life of the loan.
  • Appreciation: Over time, the value of your home may appreciate, or increase in value. This can provide a significant financial benefit if you decide to sell your home in the future.
  • Forced savings: Making a mortgage payment each month is a form of forced savings, because you are paying into an asset that you own.
  • Stability and community: Owning a home can provide a sense of stability and a sense of belonging to a community. You can make your house a home, and you have the freedom to decorate and make changes as you wish.
  • Investment: Owning a home can also be considered as an investment that can appreciate in value over time. It’s one of the most common way of investment on real-estate.

Your Home Can Help You Build Equity

Equity is the value of the property that you own outright. Building equity in a home means increasing the amount of the property that you own outright. When you first purchase a home, the majority of your mortgage payments will go towards paying off interest on the loan, with only a small portion going towards paying off the principal balance. Over time, as you make mortgage payments, you will pay off more and more of the principal balance, which will increase your equity in the home.

Another way to build equity in a home is through property appreciation. If the value of the home increases, your equity will also increase, even if you haven’t made extra payments towards the principal balance. Additionally, making improvements to the home, such as renovations or adding square footage, can also increase the home’s value and your equity in it.

It’s important to note that building equity in a home also means that you are building an asset for yourself. You may be able to borrow against the equity in your home to make other investments or to use it as collateral for a loan. Also, when you sell a home, the equity can be a source of funds, either to buy another home or to use for other financial goals.

It is also worth noting that if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, your payments may change over time, and it may take longer to build equity in your home. Furthermore, if the housing market is declining, it may be more difficult to build equity and even your home value may decrease.

Your Home May Provide Tax Savings

There are several tax advantages to owning a home, including deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.

  • Mortgage Interest Deduction: The interest paid on your mortgage is tax-deductible, up to certain limits. The limits change periodically and it’s good to check the updated limit based on the Tax reform laws, but for tax year 2021, the mortgage interest deduction limit for a primary residence is $750,000 for mortgages taken out after December 15, 2017, or $1,000,000 for mortgages taken out before December 15, 2017. If you have a second home or rental property, the interest on those mortgages is also tax-deductible, but the limit is $750,000.
  • Property Tax Deduction: You can also deduct the property taxes you pay on your primary residence or a second home. The limit for property tax deduction is $10,000. Keep in mind that if you are in a high-tax state, it’s more likely to reach this limit, and thus more of your property tax will be tax-deductible.
  • Capital Gain Exclusion: When you sell your primary residence, the profits made from the sale are generally tax-free, up to a certain limit. For tax year 2021, the limit is $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. This means that if you sell your home and make a profit, as long as the profit is below the limit, you won’t have to pay taxes on it.
  • Points Deduction: If you paid “points” or “loan origination fees” to get your mortgage, you may be able to deduct these fees on your tax return.

It is important to keep in mind that these are the general tax benefits, but it’s always best to check with a tax expert or consult IRS website to get the most up-to-date information, and to understand how they may apply to your specific tax situation.

Your Home Might Appreciate in Value

The rate at which a house will appreciate in value can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the housing market, location, and condition of the property.

In general, the national average rate of home appreciation over the past century has been around 3% per year. However, this rate can vary significantly depending on the location and the local housing market.

In some areas of the country, such as in large cities or high-demand areas, homes have appreciated at rates much higher than the national average, sometimes as much as 10% or more per year. In other areas, especially those where the housing market is weak, homes may appreciate at a rate that is lower than the national average, or may even decline in value.

In addition, you should keep in mind that the appreciation of a house is not guaranteed, it can fluctuate depending on the market conditions. As an example, during an economic recession, the housing market may decline, resulting in a decrease of home values, or in some cases, even a negative appreciation.

Your Home Can Serve as an Investment

A home can be considered an investment for a few reasons:

  • Appreciation: As mentioned earlier, over time, the value of a home can appreciate, which means the home may be worth more in the future than what you paid for it. This appreciation can be considered a return on investment.
  • Forced savings: Making a mortgage payment each month is a type of forced savings. The money you are spending on your mortgage payments is helping you to pay off an asset, as well as build equity.
  • Tax benefits: As I’ve also mentioned, the mortgage interest and property taxes are both tax-deductible which can provide a significant tax savings for homeowners, which in turn can increase the return on investment.
  • Rental income: If you own a home, you may be able to rent out a portion of it or the entire property, this can provide additional income.
  • Future use: A home can also be considered an investment because it can be used for future financial gain, such as being able to sell it for a profit, or using it as collateral for a loan.

It’s worth noting that like any investment, homeownership has its own set of risks and uncertainty. Market conditions, interest rates, and other factors can affect the value of a home, and there’s no guarantee that a home’s value will appreciate. Therefore, it’s always good to do your own research and consult with professionals before making a decision.

If you need help with the mortgage process, give us a call!

Home

10 Things to Do Before You Buy a House

/in /by

Are you ready to start shopping for your first home? Before you begin, take a look at these 10 tips to make your home-buying journey successful!

Few things are as exciting as making a real estate purchase – and few things cause more stress! To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 10 tips to help you navigate the process of buying your first (or second, or third) home. These won’t just reduce some of the anxiety, they’ll also help you avoid costly mistakes!

10 Tips for New Home-Buyers

  1. Know where and why you want to buy. The answers to these questions will help you understand what factors should be most important in your decision. For example, is your choice of neighborhood determined by your work, being close to family, or just that you fell in love with the area? Is this going to be a starter house that you’ll want to upgrade in a few years, or are you in for the long haul? Clarity here will help you make a purchase that’s in tune with the other parts of your life.
  2. Give yourself a financial health checkup. Start saving and paying off as many outstanding bills as you can. Check your credit report and get any errors removed. If you do this now, you’ll have a better understanding of what your budget really is – and a jumpstart on the mortgage preapproval process.
  3. Research neighborhoods, prices, real estate agents, and mortgage lenders. While the first two are a given, doing your homework on real estate agents and mortgage lenders is just as important.
  4. Plan your budget and down payment. Once you’ve gotten a clear idea of your financial status, figure out how much home you can afford and how much of a down payment you’ll need – and can manage. Hint: Down payment assistance is often available through state and other agencies.
  5. Understand how the mortgage and home-buying process works. We’ve covered this quite a lot in this blog. See our posts on mortgage underwriting and the path to home ownership for more details.
  6. Get pre-approved. We’ve covered mortgage pre-approval and why it’s so important elsewhere in this blog. Suffice it to say that you can make a stronger offer on a home when your mortgage is pre-approved.
  7. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. This is a very hot real estate market. Competition is intense, so be prepared to deal with sticker shock and maybe some disappointment if some other buyer beats you to a house. Be flexible and don’t give up. And know that it’s not just you; most home-shoppers are dealing with the same things.
  8. Review mortgage paperwork and requirements. Yes, there are mortgage professionals who will be reviewing these documents. But look them over yourself; not only will you be legally committing yourself to the terms, any mistakes you correct now will mean one fewer potential snag later.
  9. Verify all information in the listing. Make sure the house you are purchasing is all that the sellers claim. Make sure all the features and amenities, all the room sizes, are as advertised.
  10. Get a home inspection. This is different from a home appraisal, which is mostly about verifying the value of the house and any property. A home inspection looks for potentially costly building, health, and safety issues, and you don’t want to skip that.

Finally, remember that the mortgage provider you choose will have a big impact on your decision. Make sure you’re working with one like Michigan Mortgage that will help you explore all your lending options and choose the one that’s right for you!

 

Success Story

Success Story: Jeff & Jessica

/in /by

The home-buying process often starts months before the home is actually purchased. That was the case for Jeff and Jessica.

“We started the process initially in September of 2021,” Jessica said. “We decided that our home, a 500-suqare-foot rental, was too small for our growing family.”

Success Story“I knew that we would need to build some sort of credit so we started out with a self-credit builder (a loan that you get but can’t touch until it’s paid back),” she said. “Around February of 2022, my mother went through a divorce and moved into our two-bedroom rental. This is when we decided it was time to start actively looking for a home.”

Jeff and Jessica saw a home posted on Facebook by Realtor Jared Brown and fell in love. They reached out about the home and Jared suggested they contact Team Garrison at Michigan Mortgage to get pre-approved.

“We talked to Kim and she told us that our credit line needed to be six months and ours wasn’t,” Jessica said. “She gave us some tips on how to help increase our credit and we continued to build our score.”

“We stayed in contact with Michigan Mortgage while we built our credit over the next couple of months, and we did everything we could to make sure our credit was where it needed to be to get our home. My fiancé started out with no credit and currently has a 712.”

As soon as Jeff and Jessica hit the 6-month mark, they reached back out to Team Garrison. Everything started to move very quickly!

“Jared Brown was amazing he was super friendly and on the ball with everything we needed,” Jessica said. “We ended up seeing only three homes and offering on two…we ended up with the second one. As soon as I saw our now new home, I knew it was for us. It offered four bedrooms which was enough for all of us to live comfortably and have our own spaces, two bathrooms which is perfect for a growing family and the most perfect kitchen I have ever seen! And the location was exactly where we wanted.”

The home was truly a dream for their family.

“Michigan mortgage made everything easy in the process of helping us get exactly what we needed for our loan,” she said. “Our realtor Jared and Danielle from Michigan Mortgage even ended up working it out so that we were able to have some concessions from the sellers which made the process even the easier.”

“Michigan Mortgage was with us every step of the way they answered every question,” Jessica continued. “They did everything we needed them to do in a timely manner and because of them and our Realtor we are living a dream in our new home.”

Jeff and Jessica can’t wait to plant a garden, have friends and family over for summer BBQs and take walks around their new neighborhood.

“We don’t have everything together yet,” Jessica said. “Some things are a work in progress, bot no matter how much work it takes, it’s definitely worth it.”

Jeff and Jessica, we can’t thank you enough for putting your trust in us. We wish you many happy memories in your dream home!

Who’s responsible for paying closing costs?

/in /by

More often than not, buyers and sellers are responsible for covering the costs of their respective closings.

Buyers can expect to pay 3 – 6% of the loan amount in closing costs. Sellers, on the other hand, typically pay 5 – 6% of the sale price to their Realtor.

But that’s not always the case. Here are a few ways buyers can get someone else to help pay their closing costs.

Seller Concessions

Buyers can sometimes avoid paying closing costs (or at least a portion of them) if they ask the sellers to pay them instead. This is called seller concessions.

Each loan program is different, as shown below.

  • Conventional: Up to 3% of the home’s value with a down payment of less than 10%. Up to 6% with a down payment of 10 – 25%.
  • FHA: Up to 6% of the home’s value.
  • VA: Up to 4% of the home’s value (there are some exceptions to this rule).
  • RD: Up to 6% of the home’s value.

In today’s competitive market, this may not be your best option, as sellers are hoping to net as much as possible when closing on the sale of their home. Your Loan Officer will explore all options and help guide you in the right direction.

Gift Funds

Financial gifts from loved ones can be used to fund your down payment and closing costs. In most cases, a “loved one” is defined as a family member, fiancé, or domestic partner.

Gift funds must be properly sourced and documented to avoid hiccups during the underwriting process. The gift must include a letter that states the funds don’t have to be repaid by the buyer.

For more information, reach out to your Michigan Mortgage Loan Officer.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Are you familiar with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, otherwise known as MSHDA?

MSHDA offers a variety of down payment assistance programs to help buyers purchase their forever homes. Each program is different, but here are a few general MSHDA guidelines.

Michigan Mortgage has been named the No. 1 MSHDA Lender in Michigan (and West Michigan) since 2016. There are many MSHDA misconceptions in our marketplace – it’s a hard program to master. But our knowledge and expertise has set us apart from our competition.

We recommend that you explore all options with your Loan Officer before writing an offer. Give us a call if you have questions! We’re here to help in any way we can.

Local Lender

5 Reasons to Choose a Local Mortgage Lender

/in /by

Buying a home might be the single biggest purchase you make in your life. You want it to go right. That is why the mortgage lender you choose is critical to making sure your homeownership dreams come true and the experience is hassle-free.

Whether you are a first-time buyer needing assistance through the lending process or you are an existing homeowner seeking to refinance or purchase a vacation home, it pays to go with a local lender as opposed to a big-name national bank or brand.

Local LenderHere are 5 reasons to choose a local mortgage lender like Michigan Mortgage.

1. Personalized Service
A local mortgage lender gives you the chance to to work face-to-face with an expert, if need be. The growth of digital mortgages, like our Pro SNAP app, has eliminated the need for as much face-to-face meeting in the past, but as a home buyer it can be reassuring to know that your loan officer is right around the corner as opposed to across the country or overseas.

A local lender gets to know you. Your messages won’t sit in a voicemail box unanswered for weeks on end. With Michigan Mortgage, you’ll get a cell number for your loan officer and can call or text them at a moment’s notice to get your questions answered.

2. Local Expertise
Another advantage of local lenders is their familiarity with local market conditions. We know our local neighborhoods, so we know what’s going, what the trends are, and we use that knowledge when helping buyers obtain mortgages.

For example, a national lender with no roots in the local community may be reluctant to approve a mortgage for an atypical property, such as an original farmhouse on acreage that’s now covered by a subdivision. A local lender like Michigan Mortgage will know the history of the area and the changing demographics and economic trends and may be more comfortable underwriting such a loan.

Local lenders also have their finger on the pulse of the local or regional economy, and have a better sense of the lending risks in the area. What looks to a big lender like a dilapidated section of town might actually be an up-and-coming area where properties re increasing in value. Local lenders will know this.

Local lenders may also be more attractive to some home sellers and real estate agents who want an efficient and timely closing. Reputation matters. In situations where several offers are on the table, having a local, trusted lender could be the difference between closing or not closing.

3. Realtor Relationships
Local lenders invest a lot of time and effort building relationships with local Realtors. Realtors and lenders are the yin and yang of real estate. Michigan Mortgage loan officers are on a first-name basis with most of the real estate agents in their local areas.

Also, with everyone on your team – the Realtor, the lender, you– working in proximity, a closing can happen quickly and without hassle. The final stage of home buying is sometimes the most stressful. Having a unified team that is familiar and comfortable with each other can make the process quick and painless.

4. Varied and Specialized Products
Local lenders have a better understanding of property values and the local economy. When you work with Michigan Mortgage, you’re paired with a licensed loan officer and team of professionals who are experts in your region. Our loan officers help you choose the right type of loan for your circumstance and we keep you updated along the way. We have in-house tools and resources to expedite a loan, ensuring everything is taken care of in a timely manner.

Local lenders are where you’ll find the specialized loans the big lenders won’t bother with. Maybe you want an adjustable-rate mortgage with a 15-year lock? Or you want to buy a vacation property that lacks a furnace? Or you want to buy or refinance a home for less than $100,000, an amount too small to be of interest most lenders? Or you want a jumbo loan?

Local lenders are have more flexibility. Big banks need process large numbers of loan applications. To do that, they have rigid guidelines about who they will and won’t lend to. Big banks are more about volume than customer service.

At Michigan Mortgage, we have been Michigan’s leading MSHDA first-time buyer lender for 6 straight years. We are also a recognized USDA rural development leader.

5. Reliable, Responsive & Flexible
Local lenders are better at closing loans on a timely basis. If the closing of a loan has to be extended by a week, local lenders are more flexible than big banks who have corporate mandates to crank out the volume.

Local lenders, along with local real estate agents, have an incentive to provide you with excellent service because they want you to be a referral source for future business. They stake their reputation on each and every customer.

With a local lenders, you are much closer to the decision makers with the authority to approve your mortgage. You aren’t dealing with a corporate bureaucracy.

Michigan Mortgage loan officers are more likely to get personally involved in qualifying you for a mortgage, as opposed to big banks. Often, it’s a matter of the getting to know you. Perhaps you are self-employed with irregular income. Or you have poor credit due to a financial crisis, but have good income and low debt.

Michigan Mortgage loan officers are better suited to be responsible and flexible for borrowers like these.

At Michigan Mortgage, you will never be just a name or number on a loan application. We manage every step of the mortgage process, from application to underwriting to closing, to make the process easy. We have been financing the American homeownership dream for nearly three decades. We can do the same for you.

co-borrower

Benefits of Having a Co-Borrower

/in /by

It’s no secret – home prices in Michigan are on the rise. If you’re in the market for a new home and are wondering whether or not you can afford a home on your own, bringing on a co-borrower may be a possibility.

You may not need a co-borrower to qualify, but there are benefits to having one.

co-borrowerYou can enter the market sooner. In today’s market, it’s all about speed and strength. Having a co-borrower added to your mortgage application can increase your buying power and help you enter the competitive market with your best foot forward.

You can afford a bigger home. If you add a co-borrower to your mortgage application, it’s likely that you’ll be able to afford a larger home at a larger price point. Your Loan Officer will combine your income (if the co-borrower credit qualifies) to determine how much you can spend on a new home.

You’ll have more money for a down payment. Much like income, as stated above, if a co-borrower is added to your mortgage application, their assets are included in financing calculations. Between the two of you, you may have more money saved for a down payment.

Like all things, there are positives and negatives to adding a co-borrower to your mortgage application.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Your co-borrower must credit qualify. As mentioned earlier, co-borrower must credit qualify to be included on your mortgage application. We will verify your co-borrower’s income and credit before proceeding. We recommend that you have these conversations with your co-borrower before application is taken.

You are both liable for the loan. Before you add a co-borrower to your mortgage application, please make sure you’re comfortable with the long-term consequences. If a payment is missed or the home is entered into foreclosure, you’re both liable and your credit scores will be impacted.

Trust is key.

If you’re interested in purchasing a new home, we recommend that you sit down with an experienced Loan Officer to better understand your options. We’re here to help any way we can!

Realtor

How to Find the Right Realtor to Fit Your Needs

/in /by

Choosing the right realtor can make your home-buying or home-selling process much less stressful. Here’s how to find the right Realtor for your needs.

RealtorBuying or selling a home is a big decision, one of the most financially impactful you’ll ever make. A little expert guidance would be very helpful – but how can you find an expert you can trust? One who’s both knowledgeable and ready to look out for your best interests? It’s all down to choosing the right realtor.

That may seem easier said than done. In most places, you can choose between several or even dozens of real estate professionals. How can you find one that works for you? That’s what we’ll answer in this article.

Realtor, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker, or …

First, let’s clear up some confusion around who’s who in the real estate industry. According to Realtor.com:

  • “A realtor is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®.
  • A real estate broker runs an agency and has agents working under them. The broker must take additional courses and pay additional fees to maintain their state-issued broker license.
  • A real estate agent is a state-licensed salesperson selling on behalf of the broker. Some states mandate that all real estate agents take additional coursework and pass another test to become associate brokers, who sell under a managing broker.”

It’s also good to know that there are usually two real estate agents involved in each transaction: a listing agent (who lists the house on behalf of the seller and represents them) and a buyer’s agent (who represents the buyer). While some states allow dual agency (one real estate agent representing both parties), it’s usually a good idea to have one person absolutely dedicated to your interests.

Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important to find the right realtor for your unique situation. How exactly should you do that?

How to Choose the Right Realtor

First, do your own investigation. Learn about the real estate market where you want to live. Find out about current home sizes and prices. If you haven’t already, talk with a loan officer about your mortgage options and get a preapproval when you’re sure you’re ready to buy.

Next, research multiple realtors. You can start with referrals from friends or family or look online. Find out which ones have good reputations for communication, honesty, efficiency, and reliability. This person is going to act as your agent, so make sure they’re the kind of person you feel comfortable doing business with.

Create a list of at least three realtors and interview them. During the interview, try to determine their:

  • Local knowledge. Deep knowledge of the real estate market is a given, but a good realtor will have more than that. It takes more than a certain monthly payment and a certain number of square feet to love a house; your realtor should also know what neighborhoods will mesh with your goals and personality – whether you’re looking for a quiet and upscale setting, a family-friendly area with great schools, or so on.
  • Communication and people skills. How does the realtor handle negotiation? Are you comfortable talking with them? Are they happy to answer questions? Do they reply promptly to phone calls, texts, or emails?
  • Experience. How long has the realtor been in the business? How long have they been in the area? If you’re selling your house, ask about how many homes they’ve sold in the past year, their selling percentages, and how they plan to market your home to buyers.
  • Specialty. Does the realtor work mostly with buyers or sellers? If they focus more on one than the other, you might want to find someone with more expertise in your field. Also, what kind of properties do they mostly handle – commercial, residential raw land, special use? Again, if they focus on something other than residential, you might want to look elsewhere.

Finally, don’t forget to read any agreements or contracts between you and your realtor carefully. Make sure you understand everything and don’t hesitate to ask questions. A good realtor will be happy to explain things; a bad one will rush you into signing.