Massachusetts Real Estate, Worcester County Ma

Ask The Experts

Ask The Expert a Question about Real Estate

View some frequently asked questions and answers at our FAQ Page.

Ask a Question
Email your questions to Home Team AdvantEdge. All questions will receive a response from an agent within 24 - 48 hours.

We welcome your questions, comments, or feedback on this site or our services.

Top Ten Tips for Home Buyers!

TIP ONE: It's a game! Understand that behind all the pleasantries, the agent and the seller are trying to get the highest price out of you! Don't blame the agent; that's his/her legal duty, something every good agent takes seriously.  In fact, play their game, hire yourself the best buyer agent you can find to protect your interest!

TIP TWO: Facts & information! To negotiate a good deal, you'll need details of home sales prices and the local market - before you jump in. You can get this by doing a lot of leg work, from local papers, call-up services, and any Town Hall.  Or, you can hire a buyer agent who will research the property, the sellers and help you determine the value for the home so that you can make an informed decision before making your offer.

TIP THREE: Fish for financing! Get a mortgage yourself, or with the help of a buyer broker or mortgage broker, but not through the listing realty agent or his referral. Do this before you start looking, and don't accept the first loan you are offered. While 'thinking it over' push other lenders for a better deal. They are more flexible than they'll tell you.  Remember your buyer agent will only refer the optimum professionals to assist you.  This will ensure that things go smoothly.

TIP FOUR: Paint a picture! Before you shop, buy a notebook and write down what you must have and what you would like in a home. This will help enormously later when you are under pressure (as you will be).

TIP FIVE: Zip your lip! Don't reveal personal financial information to the listing agent. Also, when possible, conceal any pressure you are under. But most of all, when you fall in love with a home bite your tongue; keep your excitement to yourself. Think of it as a poker game. Be positive and polite but only reveal your interest to your buyer agent.  (How do you know if you have a buyer agent?  At your initial meeting, your agent will give you a Massachusetts mandatory disclosure form.  And a better indication that you have an experienced buyer agent is that the buyer agent will work with you under an employment agreement).

TIP SIX: Ooohh & aaahh! If you are working with an agent who does not represent you, show some interest in each home you are shown, even those of minimum appeal to you. Then, when the right one comes along your true depth of interest won't be blatant (an advantage to you in the negotiation).

TIP SEVEN: Not all Buyer Agents are the same.  Beware of companies who claim they can represent you as buyer and designate another agent in their company to represent the seller.  Only one agent will represent you while all others may represent competing buyers and the seller of the home you want to buy.  Shop for an agent and company who will represent only you and avoid conflict of interest.

TIP EIGHT: No quickies! When you are pushed to act quickly - brake hard! What's behind the urgency? Find out. It could save you big dollars. Ask specific questions and demand specific answers, not opinions or generalizations or kick-back questions.

TIP NINE: Check it out! Hire a professional home inspector to check the home and the systems inside and outside.  By State law, only Buyer agents can refer a home inspector to you.  This is because buyer agent work for you and protect your interest.  Ask the seller to fix the problems found. Or, look for a price reduction in lieu. If the problems are serious, consider walking away. Your buyer agent will be able to help you with making the right decision on how to approach the seller.

TIP TEN: Negotiate! This is the key to a good deal. It doesn't require you to be aggressive or unpleasant. In fact, hard balling and bickering do not work. The best type of negotiation is quiet, contains no conflict, and can save you considerable money.  Hire a Buyer Agent whose strength is in Negotiations and remember where you can get the best real estate EDGE.