Buying or Selling a Home in St. Louis Missouri

Our friend Will Frost has shared a little information about buying a home. It’s some great information and should be of help if you are considering buying a home in the St. Louis metro.

Thinking of Home Ownership?

Step 1. Look at the pros and cons of renting vs. buying to decide if there are enough benefits for your individual desires to buy. Look at your goals, timetables and desired lifestyle.

Step 2. Select a professional real estate agent to help you with information, knowledge and a road map through the maze.

Step 3. Have your agent do an in-depth “needs analysis” for you. By specifically writing down your wants, needs, goals, timetable, etc., you and your real estate agent will be focused down the same path.

Step 4. Get financially pre-qualified and/or pre-approved. Knowing your price range helps you save time, energy, effort and money in the home search process.

Step 5. Look at your marketplace objectively. View properties and analyze data with an open, but critical mind. Search, Learn, Reassess, and Search some more. Your agent should be a big help in keeping you on track.

Seven Questions for interviewing agents

1. What are your company’s resources, support staff and network affiliation?

2. What is your company’s history and track record in helping buyers? (Ex: How many buyers did your company serve last year?)

3. What checklists and systems does the agent have to help you, the buyer, stay on track?

4. Does the agent have information to help you find the best lender, including the “Home Loan Application Checklist” and “14 General Questions to Ask All Lenders”?

5. Is the agent offering traditional level service only or do they have an upgraded home buying system?

6. Does your agent appear trustworthy, caring and committed to helping you reach your goals?

7. Most important, do you like the agent. Is this someone you can spend a lot of time with, as you look for homes in Webster Grove and elsewhere? Is he or she someone who listens to your needs, and will politely offer suggestions and advice while keeping your interests in mind?

There you go some great advice if you are interested in buying a home in Kirkwood, or anywhere in the St. Louis metro. If you have any additional questions, give Will a call, you’ll be happy you did.