According to the NAR, 52% of first-time buyers found their Realtor through a friend—and two-thirds contacted only one agent before moving forward. That's kind of like having your friends set you up on a blind date, then marrying that person by Date No. 2. (Hello, ugly future divorce!) After all, how can you be sure you made the right choice without looking around? Simple: You can't.
​Make a good connection. Remember a friend may not be the best negotiator. You will need one for this very big purchase. At La Forest Real Estate our profession is negotiations. Ultimately our clients see us work here to their financial benefit. 
Although everyone has access to MLS listings, experienced Realtors know how to search the database to find the best homes within the buyer's price range. Realtors also know how to read the subtle language in listing descriptions. A "newer roof" was probably replaced 10 years ago. A "charming" home is a code word for a fixer upper. A buyer's agent can narrow the listings down to a dozen good fits for the client. Then the Realtor can call the sellers' agents to arrange for showings.

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When it's time to look at the homes, the buyer's agent provides a crucial, objective opinion. Home buyers have the habit of falling in love with a property because it has a great view or a huge kitchen, but they tend to overlook less favorable characteristics like lousy plumbing or a leaky roof. The buyer's agent can help the home buyer see the whole picture like repair costs, the neighborhood, the local school system, taxes and so on, and they are not blinded by one or two superficial features.
​Once the buyer has found a home that he or she likes, the buyer's agent is the point of contact for all price negotiations. The buyer's agent knows how much other homes are selling for in the neighborhood and will fight for the fairest price. The Realtor may also arrange a title search to make sure that the seller has a legitimate right to sell the home.
Once the buyer and seller enter into an agreement of sale, the buyer's agent will arrange for a professional home inspection to make sure there aren't any hidden problems with the foundation, plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. He or she may also schedule termite, radon and mold inspections. When the inspection reports come back, the Realtor will help the home buyer prepare an official written offer or withdraw the offer based on the inspections. If the offer is accepted by the seller, then the Realtor will walk the home buyer through the closing process, preparing all of the documents to complete the transaction.

• Your first move in home shopping!
  
• Time to get pre-qualified! Not just a pre-approval, but a full approval! At Coastline Mortgage we make sure when you make an offer you can close asap. Call 
• Todd La Forest
• 910-470-5636 NMLS # 129505
• ​Florida and North Carolina

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First Time Homebuyers call me immediately for a full run down of the Real Estate and Mortgage Industry. I am a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer and Realtor. 
​910-470-5636