Buying first home

Q-C

hello:
I'm new to this board! Getting married this September and starting the house hunting search. Very exciting to buy our first home but don't have a clue what we are doing! Question: Is there a science to picking a realtor? Any tips? Any ways I can check up on realtors (background, complaints, etc.).

Two friends of mine gave me the cards to their realtor friends and my aunt in law also gave me a card of a realtor who helped her sell her home. All are different companies.

Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
Future Mrs. QC

txdaisygal

There isn't really a science...you want to make sure its someone you get along well with. I would also go for a recommendation from someone who bought a home with that realtor over just a friend or even someone who sold a home with them. I think buying a home is very different than selling one as far as your experience with the realtor. I would go with a full time realtor over someone who just does it part-time (i.e. - soccer moms with their license). Also - I think that the longer they've been in the area the better they'll be. If you know an area of town that you want to be in I would make sure to get a realtor who is very familiar with that area. Some realtors even "specialize" in different areas of town. hope that helps!!

lauren&matt

I agree with everything the pp said

pkate98

You need to figure out what area of town, then figure out how much you can afford each month (mortgage) before you find a realtor.  They're going to want to know your price range, and spec's of what you want in a house when you first meet/talk with them.  Being pre-aproved for a loan is a very good idea before house-hunting.  So, I'd also start shopping for mortgage rates.  We've found the best rates at Bank of America.  Your bank may give you a good rate for being their customer as well.

BTW - read "Buying a Home for Dummies"  It helps explain everything about home-buying!!

cr96

In addition to figuring out what mortgage you can afford, figure out the taxes as well. In TX it can be a lot, so you have to consider that in your  monthly mortgage to be realistic.

And set your range on the low end, with room to move up. Don't start off at the top end of your range.