Linette Carroll Realtor

I disagree with starting with a realtor. Take a first time homebuyer class, preferably with a bank that will give you a better interest rate for doing it. Meet with a few mortgage people and find out your credit score and history. Fix anything that needs fixing and then contact a realtor or two. Decide which one fits you the best and work with that realtor exclusively . They will find you a home that fits you and that you feel financially comfortable with.
Just a note: Tell your mortgage person what monthly payment you are comfortable paying. If you are approved for $300,000 but only comfortable with a $200,000 monthly payment, then you should buy a $200,000 home or save enough money to have such a mortgage. Don't forget to factor in your taxes and insurance. Good luck in your search for a home. Don't stress, it is a great experience when handled correctly. - Wed May 28 2008, 08:13

I think you are under the impression that a realtor receives a 6 % commission when they sell a home. The realtor works for their broker and the broker pays the realtor a percentage of the commission that they have previously decided upon.
If you list a home for 6% and an agent brings a buyer (or you are working with an agent and you find the home) the agents broker receives 3% or whatever % of commission is offered on the Multiple Listing System. The Listing agents Broker receives the other 3%. From that commission the broker is paid, then the agent.. All expenses are then paid (gas, advertising, etc.) and taxes. If an offered commission is 3% and the home sells for $100,000 (for ease of explanation) , after all expenses are paid the agent usually will end up with about 1% or $1000.00. I hope this answers your question. - Sun May 18 2008, 18:41

I read in your statement that the appts were made and the buyers never showed up. Your realtor found out that they didn't when she called the other realtor for feed back. Am I correct? If that is what continues to happen, drive up to your home as a buyer and take stock of what they are seeing. Be sure that they are not being put off by something on the outside of your home. Are there toys all over? Are the garbage cans out front? It the yard cleaned up and looking manicured? Are the driveway and sidewalks in good shape? Is your home painted and looking at its best? These things, if not taken care of will make a buyer drive right on by. - Sat Mar 1 2008, 16:59

You might try putting this notice on Craigs list as well. Good luck with you search. - Fri Feb 29 2008, 17:48

You usually don't need a co-signer unless you have no credit history or bad credit. We will assume no credit history. in that case, develop a credit history for yourself and save, save , save. If that isn't an option look into doing some creative financing with the seller (be sure you know what you are doing) Sometimes a seller will hold a mortgage to sell their home. We will probably see more of that in this market, along with mortgage assumptions. Good luck - Thu Feb 28 2008, 20:47