Buying your first house

[psw097 0]

True, but I have bought a couple houses - isn't that adult? They help with the finances so I can spend it on stupid stuff. But, I'm sick of drywall - I hate drywall and contractors, they're always late, like skydivers.

[skyminxx 0]

sigh...ok yeah, i guess you qualify on that one

You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.-Richard Bach

[Gravitymaster 0]

He lives in Northern Virginia where the buyer pays for the Buyers Agent. I've used one myself and had excellent results. Thats why I recommended it. One of the big advantages is that in Northern Virginia the real estate market is so hot that often a purchaser gets into a bidding war with other prospective buyers. It's very advantageous to have a Realtor who is knowledgeable working for you, the buyer.

[Michele 1]

Meltdown, great advice.

I guess I'm one of those realtors who take this stuff seriously. I have never had an inspection where my buyer was not present. I tell them to wear throw-away clothes so they can crawl after the inspector underground, in the attic, and everywhere else. I only use inspectors who I know will count nails, call things out irrespective of what they think I want, and so forth.

I've been known to tell clients to not buy X house, or to back out of a deal if something is going on (hidden water damage, cracked foundation, and so on).

And as for closing costs, I always set an appointment with my buyers and go over them with a fine toothed comb. If there is an issue, we don't close until it's gotten resolved. I always get involved with the mortgage funding, and have been able to prevent issues or correct them if they occur. When I've run into something I didn't know, I said that, and then went on and learned what I needed to know...and passed that to my client.

I am hands on...there are realtors who aren't. I know what I'm dealing with - someone's home, his castle, his piece of the pie - and he is treated accordingly. I don't give a rat's ass if the price is $130,000 or $990,000 - they are treated the same because it is the same...because of the way I handle things, I get letters of commendation from all over - including the other realtors at times.

The realtor you choose will make this an adventure, or a nightmare. It depends on communication, skill, and general overall competence.

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[WFFC 1]

Good place to start, but if you've never done it before, use a realtor. Don't just pick one though, find friends/family/coworkers that were happy with theirs and go with the recommendation. Remember, they are working for you, the seller pays their 'fees' and you can fire them if you're not happy.
They may ask you to sign a contract that says they're your realtor. don't sign it until you sign an offer on the house.