Ed Lankeit

Hello Roxana ~ This is an exciting time for you and the purchase of your first home is a great next step. With a tremendous amount of inventory available in the market today, the first thing you will want to consider is the price point for the home you will be able to afford. It is easy to get caught up in the flurry of mortgage news on the television and in the newspapers however there are many great lenders out there that may be able to assist you in identifying your ideal price. Once you have a figure in mind, there are many places to go on the internet with information on available properties in your desired area. Many Realtors have web sites that allow you access to listings found in the Multiple Listing Service ~ some ask you for contact information before allowing you access to the information, some do not. ( I invite you to check out my web site as a part of your home search http://www.EDizona.com). Often property information found on the web may be downloaded in the form of a flyer. Might I also suggest contacting a Realtor who has the ability to define a seach of the Multiple Listing Service and e-mail you any and all properties that may fit your criteria. Many buyers begin their home search on the internet and once you determine you are ready to purchase a home, it just makes sense to contact a Realtor to assist you throughout the process ~ and as sellers customarily pay the commissions, the buyer representation is often at no cost to you. - Mon Aug 20 2007, 14:58

If I may answer your question with another question - Are you considering selling your home FSBO because of a negative experience with an agent in a previous sale?

Before moving ahead with your sale, I would suggest you interview at least three agents who work in your neighborhood. Compare the services they offer with what you are willing to do by representing yourself. Other than the time it takes to interview, there is no cost involved in exploring the option of obtaining representation for your sale. The information you gather through the interview process may make the decision whether to sell FSBO much clearer.

The previous respondents have offered many great responses to consider...

I would strongly consider the "safety" factor in allowing "just about anyone" into your home. Most if not all buyers represented by Realtors and agents have been prescreened before being taken on a home tour.

I have several friends who have chosen to sell their homes FSBO. In every case, they were not aware of the amount of time and effort it would take and were certainly not aware of the potential legal issues that could arise during and even after the sale closed.

Do your homework. It is possible to sell your home FSBO and you may find the process interesting and satisfying...ensure you enter the process with your eyes wide open. MOST PEOPLE who try to sell their home FSOB eventually list with a Realtor or real estate agent. A true professional is one that makes their job look easy. - Thu Jul 26 2007, 13:28

The real estate market has cooled from the frenzy of a few years ago. There is a significant amount of inventory on the market and a good buyer's agent will assist his client in narrowing their search to those properties that best match the buyer's needs. It would not be in the best interest of the buyer to show every listing on the market. The home search would become exhaustive for the client and could potentially drag on and on. Many agents work within a network of agents to determine which sellers are serious about selling (pricing the home competitively, ease of showing, and a fair compensation to the selling agent in order to attract more interest in the home). The entire home buying process is much more involved than just finding the right home. Agents should assist their clients in identifying a home that meets their needs, in a neighborhood that suits them, and a transaction with a strong likelyhood of closing.

Many buyers are represented by agents to assist them in their home search and guide them through the purchasing process. Agents may prospect for new buyer clients by holding homes open especially if there is sufficient traffic in the area. Chances are better that the buyer for your home will be introduced by the agent representing them as opposed to the buyer walking into your open house.

It may be a good idea to sit down with your agent and have an open and honest discussion about factors that may be deterring other agents from showing your home. How is your home being marketed? Is your home priced well for the market? What are the conditions in the surrounding neighborhood?

In the past few weeks there has been a noticable decline in traffic through listings held open in my area. There is a focus on getting ready for "back to school" and many families are on vacation.

Selling a home can be a stressful process - disrupting schedules, having to keep the home in "showing" condition, anticipation of the escrow process, etc. Patience will pay off. - Thu Jul 26 2007, 08:06

My collegues have provided some great answers regarding the satellite feeds. Keep in mind that depending on the age of the neighborhood, in areas that are experiencing explosive growth like the Phoenix area, the satellite feeds are a few months behind. I would like to piggy back on Linda Jandura's answer and suggest that you enlist the service of a Realtor who is familiar with the neighborhood you are interested in seeing. They may be willing to preview the neighborhood. Many Realtors are proficient in taking digital camera shots and can send them to you via e-mail. While pictures are helpful, there is no substitute for touring the neighborhood personally, taking in all the sights, scents and sounds. - Sun Jul 22 2007, 07:08

~Write down your relocation goals.
~Set a timeline.
~Meet with a lender and determine your price point.
~Interview Realtors and find a professional who can help you navigate the tremendous inventory on the market.
~When you find a home that meets most of your criteria, make an offer. Your Realtor should have been able to narrow your choices to homes that suit you best.
~Home buying is a process - arm yourself with a solid strategy and enjoy the ride. - Sat Jul 14 2007, 11:22