Buying a home is easy—with a REALTOR®

The journey to homeownership might seem simple. After all, the homes are right there at your fingertips. You can easily find your home’s value according to Redfin and Zillow and maybe average them all to come up with a realistic price (not really). Use my website to find your home's value by clicking here to get an instant price range for your home. Then call me for a free consultion at (941) 549-4010.

For many, the process seems straightforward – browse listings online, choose a place within your budget, sign the necessary paperwork, and voilà, the keys are yours. However, the reality of purchasing a home is far more complex and oftentimes contentious, revealing the essential role of a seasoned REALTOR®.

As a heads up, I’ll need you to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement in order to act as your transaction broker. Among other important disclosures, it explains to you that the seller is not obligated to pay my commission. That might seem like it puts you on the hook for it, but we can negotiate everything from closing costs to cooperating compensation. Here are some of the things you can count on my doing for you.

Help You Get Started

The initial stages of home buying are crucial. I do more than just show you properties that fit your criteria. I embark on a journey with you by:

• Educating you on the home-buying process and coordinating a plan
• Searching local Multiple Listing Service and public records to find the best matches
• Providing insights into price trends, negotiation trends, and community details
• Reviewing buyer representation agreements and discussing compensation
• Helping you understand your budget and financial requirements for homeownership
• Arranging tours of homes and neighborhoods that fit your criteria

Help You Find a Home

Finding your dream home requires more than just scrolling through listings. A REALTOR® assists by:

• Researching homes that align with your interests and needs
• Developing competitive offers and negotiating the best price and terms
• Coordinating home inspections, consultations with lenders, and property assessments
• Stewarding multiple parties and schedules to save you time

Help You Achieve Homeownership

The final leg of the journey is often the most intricate, involving a maze of state and federal forms, mortgage rates, terms, and legalities. A REALTOR® navigates these complexities by:

• Advocating for you throughout the entire process, including closing
• Researching mortgage rates, terms, and finding reputable lenders
• Coordinating with lenders and ensuring all contract deadlines are met
• Providing guidance for walk-throughs prior to closing to ensure the property's condition
• Working with necessary parties to ensure all contractual terms are completed by closing
• Ensuring all required actions are complete in advance, making closing day a celebration

So while the dream of homeownership might seem easily attainable at first, the reality is that it requires strategic planning, expertise, and guidance. Working with a real estate agent who is a REALTOR® not only simplifies this complex process but also transforms your journey into a memorable and stress-free experience, leading you to the doorstep of your next home.

Forest Balderson is a REALTOR® for Coldwell Banker Downtown Sarasota and Vice Chair of the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Fundraising Committee. He has a BA in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. He was first licensed in Florida Real Estate in 1999. Click here for testimonials.