Home buyers - hire a professional - By Matt Trudel

Home buyers, even if this is not your first time purchasing a home, you should hire a professional to guide you through the complex process. The real estate market is continually changing, from different financing options, rules, regulations, and market fluctuations of inventory which correlates directly with pricing. Even if you bought a house three to five years ago, today's real estate market is vastly different.

A Realtor is a professional who can take you from start to finish, and can navigate all the hurdles and obstacles that arise. A good realtor knows the pulse of the market, negotiates well, will find you a home with the things you desire at a favorable price point, and will continue to work with you even after the closing. 

Many Realtors are very good at networking, especially some of your local realtors who have been in the business a long time. They have learned over the years that by staying in touch with each other on a regular basis and sharing what is happening with new listings or new clients, they can provide much better service for their clients. We all have access to the MLS, but it is the new listings that are going to be coming on the market or the homes that the sellers don't want advertised for sale but are willing to sell if the realtor knows of a qualified buyer that would like their home. These are known commonly as "pocket listings". 

Work with one professional, don't try to work with several different realtors. It doesn't take long in our discussions to find out you are working with several agents. You want a committed, trustworthy, and loyal relationship with your agent. There is one local company that has made that their motto. You want to show your agent that you are committed to working with just them. That way when they hear about a new "pocket listing" coming up, you are the first one that the realtor calls and gets you prepared to make a solid, reasonable offer at the earliest opportunity. A good example of this was a client I was working with that was pretty sure they wanted to build a new home, and not purchase an existing home. While going through plans and existing new construction I learned the most important things they wanted in a home. A fellow realtor mentioned a new listing was going to be hitting the market soon. After a short discussion I was certain the home might be the right fit and after a quick walk through the home I knew it was perfect. My clients loved it and put it under contract the first day. Their loyalty to me got them the very first call. I had already gotten them pre-approved and the process went very smooth because we were prepared. 

So search out that professional that you feel comfortable with and work with them. Sign an exclusive buyer's representation agreement and start searching for your new home the right way. 

~Matt Trudel is the owner of Five Star Realty in Windham.