Local Real Estate Guide
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Local Real Estate > Home Buying • Home Selling
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Local-Real-Estate.com features convenient access to real estate information and real estate agencies in each state of the USA. Most of these firms have real estate offices in major real estate markets, where their agents are based.
When looking to buy a home, it is imperative to determine your personal and family housing requirements. Are you looking for an older house that you may need to update, or do you want a newer house with the latest in energy efficiency and design features? You will want to consider the size of the home and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as the lot size, especially if you plan to install an addition or swimming pool. If you purchase a condo or townhouse, you will usually not have to worry about yard work. Once you have determined your housing needs and your price range, your agent can help you determine the best neighborhoods to begin your search.
When selling your home, there are a few things to consider that may help
you get the highest price. First impressions can make all the
difference, and improvement of cosmetic flaws both inside and outside
your home is imperative before placing your house on the market.
In addition, you should ensure that your home is neat and uncluttered;
you may want to temporarily move some items into storage to open up
space. It is also a good idea to leave a lockbox or key with your
real estate agent, so that people who wish to view your home can do so
at their convenience. In so doing, you won't have to worry that
potential buyers have bypassed your house because a viewing wasn't
available. Finally, know your market, and make sure your home is
priced appropriately. If you have picked an outstanding real estate
agent with a proven track record, you can be assured that they will have
a handle on the market and will be able to help make the home buying and
selling process as smooth as possible.
Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents are the professionals who match buyers and sellers
in the real estate market, but individual agents vary in ability,
commitment, and understanding of the buying and selling process.
Many states require prospective agents to attend several days of
classroom training, followed by a state-monitored exam. The agents
who pass the real estate agent exam usually begin working for an
established real estate broker. The short real estate course they
have attended has taught them the legal rules and procedures for buying
and selling real estate. But it has not given them the experience
and skills that can only be acquired with time and practice.
Many real estate agents join the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and thus become a Realtor®. These real estate professionals have agreed to abide by the NAR code of ethics.
If you are planning to buy or sell a home, it is important to select a
real estate agent who knows your local real estate market and who has a
good track record of completed real estate transactions. The
Home Gain service can help you, as a potential home buyer or home seller,
connect with qualified local real estate agents and Realtors.
- If you are planning to buy a home, you may wish to compare Realtors® first. Using this free service, you can easily find local real estate agents and compare their commission rates, transaction history, and experience.
- If you are planning to sell a home, you may also wish to compare Realtors® first. Using this service, you can quickly let local real estate agents know about the home you'd like to sell so they can address your specific needs.
Bibliography
- Abrams, R. and LaPlante, A. (2007). Better Business Bureau - Buying a Home: Insider's Guide to Success. Palo Alto, California: The Planning Shop.
- Davis, S. (2004). A Survival Guide for Buying a Home. New York: American Management Association.
- Lereah, D. (2007). All Real Estate is Local. New York: Doubleday.
- Rejnis, R. (2000). The Everything Homeselling Book. Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media.
Real Estate Services
- National Association of Realtors®
Business support resources for the Realtor profession, including Realtor® Magazine and the annual REALTORS® Conference & Expo. A state and local Realtor® board directory is also featured on the website.
www.Realtor.org - Zillow
This online real estate service provides local maps, tools, and information about individual home values throughout the USA.
www.Zillow.com - District of Columbia Real Estate
Find leading Washington, DC real estate agencies, mls listings, and realtor information.
www.Local-Real-Estate.com - Federal Government Real Estate Listings
Five federal agencies list their real estate offerings by state. See what's available near you!
www.USA.gov - Looking for the Best Mortgage
Consumer advice on shopping for a home loan or mortgage – from the Federal Trade Commission.
www.FTC.gov
Regional Real Estate Information
- Midwestern Real Estate - residential property in the Midwest and Great Plains states.
- Northeastern Real Estate - homes in New England and northern Mid-Atlantic states.
- Southern Real Estate - real estate across the Deep South and Southwestern states.
- Western Real Estate - homes in the Rocky Mountain states and west, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Related Real Estate Sites
- Commercial Real Estate - commercial brokers.
- Horse Real Estate - farm and ranch properties.
- Real Estate Appraisers - appraiser directory.
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Local-Real-Estate.com is a Chosen Sites™ information resource.
Realtor® is a registered trademark of the National Association of Realtors.