Estate Articles



How to finding the Right Real Estate Agent 

One of the most important steps you should make it first when buying a home or investing in any type of property is finding a real estate agent. Whether you are looking to make that move to a certain location, or already live in the area and wish to buy a new home, you have several options. Since buying a home is a process, often times a long one, you want to be sure you find an agent that will be able to meet all your needs. This can include desired home features, location, and price. While most real estate agents are able to show a wide variety of homes in different locations, there may be certain stipulations that don't allow them to meet some of your more specific needs.
When beginning the search for the right real estate agent, Make sure you are comfortable with the person you choose because you will work closely with him or her for quite some time. You also want to know the agent you choose is knowledgeable about the housing market, and possesses a style that will mesh with yours. If you are looking to move into a specific area, be certain the agent is familiar with the area, as this can shorten the initial house hunting process.
There are many real estate agents from which to choose. Even if you are uncertain about exactly where you want to live or invest in property, many agents are there to help you make that decision. Once you have found the agent who understands your location and housing needs, you will be more comfortable in moving forward and proceeding with the home buying process. Once you have purchase several properties you may decide to strike out on your own and take care of all the buying and selling. While many people decide to do this because it saves money, in order to make it work you really need to know your real estate market. This can be more difficult than it sounds and it is important that the right steps be taken when buying or selling any home or other type of property.

You may also have a particular real estate agent you use for all your property acquisitions. This is not uncommon at all. In fact, the better a particular gent gets to know you the easier he or she can help you make the right decisions. Perhaps you just want an agent who will show you the properties. A real estate agent you know well will be familiar with the types of property you are looking for and can significantly shorten the searching process by asking you a few simply questions.





Before any viewings make a list of features and criteria that are important to you.


Outside the property:

Is the building in good condition

If there’s a garden has it been well maintained

What are the neighboring properties like

Are there potential parking issues


Inside the property:

Check out the AC.  Does it work, is it noisy, does it appear to have been maintained. 

Check for safety issues such as bare wiring, faulty plugs and lights 
Is there enough storage for you

What provisions are there for TV, internet, telephone

If appliances are being provided, do they work

Make sure taps, toilets, baths & showers don’t leak

Listen carefully – what’s the noise like from outside, from neighbors

Are there any suspicious water stains anywhere?

Can you see any signs of mould?

Is the general condition good



Some steps you can take when selling your home in order to reduce the stress where possible.

 - Organize your home before putting it on the market
Try to do any redecorating and renovation before you approach an estate agent to put your property on the market.
 - Get more than one valuation Listen Instructing more than one estate agent in order to value your property will help you get a realistic price. Putting your property on the market for a realistic value will help you achieve a sale much quicker.
 - Instruct convincing solicitors as soon as you instruct an estate agent
Although in the early stages you will not have a potential buyer, it is good practice to instruct convincing solicitors so that they can start to arrange any relevant paperwork for the sale. Try to choose a law firm which focuses on convincing.
Instructing solicitors early will make sure that when a buyer does take an interest in your home there are no delays in seeking information or proceeding with the sale.
 - Talk with your mortgage company or use a estate broker to have a mortgage offer in place before you start to sell your property Making sure that you have a mortgage offer to rely upon will take out the stress of having to sell without the funding to buy. As well as this, if you have a mortgage offer behind you, you become a more attractive buyer for a seller.
 - Decide what is for sale with your house make a list of all the fixtures, fittings and chattels  that you are happy to sell with the property. If you do not believe that a chattel will increase the value of your property, then consider a separate sale or auction. Do not include things in the sale merely for the ease of moving.
If you are including any fixtures or fittings, then inform both your estate agent and your solicitor so that any paperwork or information can be updated accordingly.
If you cannot get a good deal from your current mortgage provider then think about using a broker to find you a better deal. The broker will most like take a referral fee from the mortgage company and charge you a small cost.