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I am an experienced realtor (7+ yrs) in Atlanta. I obtained specialized training in new homes in 2001 and throughout my career have sold new homes as well as resale homes. There are nuances depending on whether you are buying from the ground up (presale) or standing inventory (already built) and every builder is different. I see you posed your question just over a month ago - so if you are still looking for a realtor, please give me a call 678 508 6811 or send me an email joan@intownfocus.com

I just closed on my house 7-25-08, and my realtor ushered a deal w/ no ernest money in the vicinity I wanted way under budget and paired me w/ a great loan officer his name is brad moore his # is 404-641-3202 tell him qiana sent you . He and the loan officer Jenny were great. I made an offer on the 2nd of July and they had me closed less than 30 days later and I gave birth on the 10th of July. They really worked to make it happen for me and im sure they will for you.

Good advice below. However, I'd suggest doing your own research and homework first.

Go to Amazon (http://www.Amazon.com) and order a couple of basic books on buying a home. Though I haven't read either, the series "The Complete Idiot's Guide to..." and "...for Dummies" are both good. (Though I'll admit I don't like the series names.

Here are the links for those two on buying a home:
http://www.amazon.com/Home-Buying-Dummies-Eric-Tyson/dp/0471…

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Buying-Selling/d…

After you've read one or both, then begin the process of selecting a Realtor.

Hope that helps.

Good for you! I appreciate your candor. Most first-time buyers are afraid to admit they don't have a "clue" where to start in the homebuying process. Doubly good for you that you are taking the step and want to buy a home!

If you are knowledgable about Decatur & the surrounding area, and have visited some Open Houses on the weekends and have an idea what you think you can afford, arrange an appointment with a local lender and get pre-qualified, but don't lock in with the first lender you speak with. You'll want to have a general idea of the monthly payment you can afford and the maximum sales price you are comfortable with.

Let your fingers do the walking through the internet and visit different agents websites, read the Sunday papers, do a little homework. Make a few e-mail inquiries or phone calls to agents. One of my past clients actually interviewed me over the phone. They had purchased a book, "Real Estate for Dummies" and asked me some of the questions they found inside! (P.S.: I got the job!)

Your relationship with the Realtor you select should be approached with mutual trust and communication. You will want to be honest with the agent about your fears, concerns, wants & needs, and your agent should be patient and available to answer all your questions in a simply, easy to understand manner.

Best of luck. I hope you have a pleasant homebuying experience!

Mr.Matarutse,

Your attempt to purchase a property as a first time home buyer is an exciting turn in your life. Congratulations!

When choosing a real estate salesperson, do not let the salesperson sell you. Let the salesperson explain into great detail who they really are and the experience that they have in your market and the success rate they have had.

Anyone can inform you of anything, but not everyone will be able to back up their words. Work with a salesperson whom you can trust and a salesperson who can provide you with proof that they understand the avenue you are about to peruse. Talk to every agent that you can and find out how YOU can benefit from them. Not how the salesperson can benefit from you.

A good real estate agent is one with whom you can shake hands in the middle at the closing table. There are many that will dive into this question, but they are few who can swim.

I would personally contact the top producing brokers in your area via email and ask for their opinion. Yes, they might be busy and you might not work with them directly, but then again, they have excellent sources of contacts who can help connect you with mortgage bankers and attorney's that will properly look after your best interests.
You need someone who is skilled enough to educate you about the current market conditions and how the current market will affect your purchasing options.

I wish you the best with your endeavors. If you have any questions about purchasing a home, feel free to ask. My intentions are not to lure you in as a client, for I specialize strictly in Manhattan, but to properly educate you along your way.

Hi! My name is Shannon Jones and I am a realtor in Georgia. I would love the opportunity to assist you in the purchase of your home or to help you locate a qualified realtor if you are beyond my market area. I commend you on recognizing the need for the services of a realtor. A qualified realtor who knows the market can assist you in so many ways including locating suitable properties, obtaining morgage information, negotiating price, and representing your best interests through the entire buying process.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. My email is scjones@craigmassee.com and my cell number is 478-232-0891.

I love walking people through the process and I have a concierge service of professionals from insurance agents and inspectors to loan officers and pest control that believe in the same thing.

Feel free e-mail me or call if you have ANY real estate needs or questions... and remember,

the only bad questions are the ones you don't ask.

please look in my blog http://www.shastacountyrealestate.blogspot.com
I have just wrote a post somewhat to this effect.
you need to know where you want to buy and find a good realtor to help you with it. It'll be fun! Provided you have professional to look at all the angles!

If you would like me to find an experienced agent and a top producer in your area; I can contact my relocation center and they will be happy to assist you. Be sure you interview at least 3 agents before you hire one.
Dianne

I would be happy to assist you. I look forward to hearing from you.

I can help you! I am Michael Haun a realtor for GMAC Metrobrokers and I live in Decatur, GA. You can reach me at michael.haun@metrobrokers.com or 404.290.8657.

Hi: A good realtor can definitely help you in the process of purchasing a new home. They should be able to handle the process from knowing the area, knowing the market, able to refer you to reputable mortgage lenders and then guiding you through finding a home, negotiating a contract and leading you into the closing with a reputable closing attorney. For myself I am a native Atlantan having grown up in the Decatur/Emory/Northlake area so the area is very known to me. I am with a full service broker who can help you with references to all the services you will need from step one to getting through the closing. I would like the opportunity to talk to you and see how I can help. Below is my information and I look forward to talking to you.

David McEachern
Keller Williams Realty Chattahoochee North http://www.dmceachern.com
Mobile - 404-406-0638
Office - 678-578-2700
Fax - 678-578-2710