Is the stress of buying a home overwhelming you? I would enjoy helping you handle all of the details in order to relieve some of the tension. Here are some tips that might aide in relieving your home-buying stress.

1. Envision where you want to be once the purchase of the house is completed. Write down the details and use it as a tool to get you motivated when the buying process seems to slow you down. The end result should make you feel that your time and energy spent was worth it.

2. Expect the unexpected. Anticipate the hidden costs by researching the real estate and mortgage markets. Hidden extras will vary; some are legitimate while many others, also known as garbage fees, simply are not. If you don’t understand, or you disagree with any fees that arise, you need to find out what they are and if you need to pay them. Remember that you need to perform research in advance. It is usually too late to back out on contracts when the deal is ready to be signed.

3. Find an agent you can trust. The agent will facilitate your buying process. He or she will help you create your buying plan, locate the right home, offer strategies for the current market, deal with offers, and assist you in completing the paperwork. In addition, your agent will guide you through the buying process; and help you with any emotional stress that comes along the way.

4. Know your limits, but at the same time, be flexible. Write down and revert back to your buying plan. When obstacles arise or setbacks occur, pull out your buying plan and get back on track. Make modifications to your buying plan if necessary, but don’t lose sight of your objective. If you are well prepared, you will always have options. There are plenty of agents, mortgage brokers, lenders, etc. who are willing to assist you.

5. Don’t alter your lifestyle. Whether it is during the home-buying phase or after the purchase has been completed, don’t forget or eliminate your daily routine. When purchasing a home, continue doing the things that you normally would be doing. Your main focus may be buying a home, but don’t be completely absorbed by the process or you may lose sight of your objective. A new home should enhance your lifestyle not take away from it.

If you would like help finding the home of your dreams, call me at (610) 533-4549 or visit my website at http://www.govalleyhomefinder.com/

What is a buyers agent? why do I need to have one? and how do I get one? These are the questions you need to ask yourself if are looking to purchase real estate here in the Lehigh Valley.

The first time you meet with an agent, even if its looking at a property, they should present you with what is called the “Consumer Notice” This is a document required by the state of Pennsylvania whenever a substantive discussion occurs between you and a real estate agent. This is not a contract, but rather just as it is labeled – a consumer notice, the purpose of which is to explain the different kinds of relationships you can have with an agent. Yes, there are differences, BIG differences.

The first thing to note is that, according to state law, unless you establish a “business relationship” in writing, defining what type of relationship, if any exists between you and an agent, that agent DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU.  Just because you contact and agent, discuss your home buying needs, look at homes, etc that agent is under no legal obligation to work for you, or in your best interests.

Once you singe a business relationship document, form that moment forth, that agent is under legal, ethical and moral obligations to provide YOU with very specific duties and owes you a fiduciary duty to work specifically for you, and your best interests. He or she must put forth a good faith effort, disclose any and all information, advise you of the law, and owes you a duty of confidentiality.

This is part of the duties he or she now owes you, and establishes this person as YOUR Buyers Agent. If you are selling a home, then you would establish a ”Seller Agency” relationship.

There is difference, and this why you never want to look at homes on your own and then contact the listing agent, or the listing agents office. Why, BECAUSE THEY WORK FOR THE SELLER. They owe the same duties to the seller that your buyers agent owes to you!

The bottom line is that if you are looking to buy a home, contact an agnet immediately to meet with them, discuss your real estate needs, get prequalified, and establish a business relationship, so that now, you have a real estate agent working for you, and on your behalf. Now you can buy a home here in the Lehigh Valley with proper representation, and know that your needs are being met