BUYERS AGENT IN OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN-REALTOR TOM GILLIAM
Buyers Agent in Oakland County, Michigan Questions and Answers
A Buyers Agent in Oakland County, Michigan is a Professional Realtor's that focus on either first time home buyers or home buyers that are in the market to purchase a new home and need to a have buyers agent 
representation in their purchase of a new home in Oakland County, Michigan. The main job for a buyers agent in Oakland County, Michigan is not only to send listings to potential home buyers and take them out to look at homes, there is much more to it to be a great buyers agent in Oakland County, Michigan. One of my first commandments to my home buyers is to listen to their needs and wants and to determine if they are being realistic between the two. My second commandment is to make sure they are pre-qualified to purchase a home within the price range they can afford. (Get Pre-Qualified Here). Once this has been completed then it's time to go out and enjoy watching your clients look at homes and begin their new future in Oakland County, Michigan. Once the home buyer finds the home that they love, you then have the job of negotiating an offer as their buyers agent in Oakland County, Michigan and get them the best price possible
What are some tips every home buyer should know to get started in their home purchase in Oakland County, Michigan?
If you think it’s about time you bought a home instead of renting, a little homework and help from a buyers agent in Oakland County, Michigan before you start looking will increase your odds of finding the best buy for you. Here’s how:
- Dig up your down payment
Know where your down payment cash will come from. If it’s coming from stocks, go ahead and sell them. If Aunt Jessie is loaning the money, get it in hand so you are ready to go.
- Nail down your financing
It’s tough to home shop if you don’t know what you can afford. Together with a reputable lender, we can help you determine how much home you can afford and which loan program will maximize your buying power. By getting pre-approved for a loan, you’ll be a better prospect in the seller’s eyes.
- Take your time
Don’t jump at the first home you see. Let us introduce you to different areas and home types to see what suits your needs the best.
- Do your homework
Once you’ve found the home you want, ask us to run a competitive market analysis of other homes that have recently sold, so you’ll be able to make a sensible offer to purchase.
- Enjoy!
With expert assistance and a positive attitude, home shopping can be fun and rewarding.
What would you recommend as the best first step in home buying?
Before you start looking at homes for sale, be sure you do some “homework.” Here are some of the questions for which you’ll need answers:
- Check out interest rates
What are current local mortgage interest rates for 15-year and 30-year fixed rate mortgages, and for 1- 3- and 5-year adjustable rate mortgages?
- Shop for the best loan
Which type of loan is best for you? Will you be in the house several years and benefit most from a long-term fixed rate, or do you want a lower, short-term rate because you plan to move soon or expect your income to increase rapidly over the next few years?
- Determine how much house you can afford
How much of a mortgage can you qualify for? The loan amount plus your down payment tells you how much house you can afford.
- Investigate neighborhood prices
What neighborhoods feature homes in your price range?
- Separate needs from wants
What are your priorities for your next home? How important are public transportation, community facilities, on-street parking, lot size, privacy? How many bedrooms and baths will you need? Will you need a space for a home office? How important are quality neighborhood schools?
What is the single most important rule in house hunting?
Want to know what the number one rule is when home shopping? Well, many details must be considered in choosing your next home – style, size, price, location. It’s probably impossible to say which factor is most important. But one thing is certain – if you will be moving again in a few years, be sure you buy with selling in mind. Chances are, the items that make your new home a comfortable fit for you will also attract buyers later on. As your buyers agent Oakland County, Michigan there are some special considerations to keep in mind.
Some special considerations for the short-term homeowner who has resale in mind:
- Watch for growth potential
Look for an established neighborhood that will be enhanced by future growth but not inconvenienced by it.
- Look out for resale value
Seek a prime neighborhood where houses sell well in any market.
- Check out location
Consider availability of all aspects of transportation; even those you may not use.
- Schools are important
Check for quality public schools, whether or not you have school-age children.
- Green is good
Look carefully at the lot for trees and greenery to buffer winter winds or summer heat.
- Make room for visitors
See if ample guest parking is available for you and your neighbors.
- Privacy is a plus
Consider how much privacy the house and lot provide.
- Drive the commute before you buy
Check morning and afternoon drive time to work, schools, shopping, churches, etc.
Are there any inside tips on down payments for first-time buyers?
Folks who are new to the home-shopping world need more than just good luck. You should, of course, save all you can for closing costs and a down payment. For further help:
- Revisit your “wish list”
Reconsider what you’re looking for in a first home. Find out what you can afford now, and consider buying a starter home that requires a small down payment with the idea of moving up in a few years.
- Take advantage of special programs
Look into special low- and no-down payment programs like loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Some areas also have local programs for low- and moderate-income families or first-time buyers, offering lower interest rates or down payments.
- Gather gifts
Check with parents and relatives for monetary gifts that can go toward a down payment or closing costs. A 20% down payment can dramatically cut monthly costs and eliminate monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
- Consider “sweat equity”
If you can fix up a home that’s in poor condition, you increase the value of your investment faster. Ask us about special combination loans that provide fix-up funds as well as purchase money.
- Scour market for bargains
What are some questions I should ask a prospective buyers agent?
So, you’re thinking about buying a new home! The first place to start is by looking for a Buyers agent in Oakland County, Michigan to help you. An experienced buyers agent will “bind” together the entire process. The right pro will help you find the right property and keep things on track from shopping to closing.
Here are some key questions to ask the buyers agent you are interviewing:
- Do you represent the buyer or the seller?
- What are your fees and who pays them?
- How much time will you have to help me look for a new home? What tasks will you perform for me as my representative?
- How often will you communicate with me, and how can I reach you?
- Will you refer me to some buyers you have represented recently?
- Do you have access to the area multiple listing service, foreclosed listings and other sources of information about available houses?
- Will you show me all the available houses in my price range, even if they are listed by another company?
- Will you give me a comparative price analysis for any homes I am considering?
- Do you represent the buyer or the seller?
- What are your fees and who pays them?
- How much time will you have to help me look for a new home? What tasks will you perform for me as my representative?
- How often will you communicate with me, and how can I reach you?
- Will you refer me to some buyers you have represented recently?
- Do you have access to the area multiple listing service, foreclosed listings and other sources of information about available houses?
- Will you show me all the available houses in my price range, even if they are listed by another company?
- Will you give me a comparative price analysis for any homes I am considering?
As your Buyers Agent in Oakland County, Michigan I'm here to guide you through the process and open to your questions. Call Tom Gilliam today! 248-790-5594