Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I use a real estate agent?

A: A real estate agent is more than just a "sales person."  They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance and doing a job - helping you buy or sell a home.  Due to the fast changing market, the data on available listings is not 100% accurate.  There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.

Q: What is the importance of a pre-approval?

A: Before you begin searching for a home, one of the most useful things you can do is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. By completing a mortgage application prior to choosing a home, you'll not only know how much a lender will be willing to lend you, and therefore, how much house you can afford, but it also shows prospective sellers that you are a serious buyer. In fact, many sellers will require you to provide a "pre-approval letter" from a reputable lender prior to reviewing an offer. Lining up your financing in advance can help move your offer to the head of the pack in a competitive real estate market.

Q: What is a REALTOR®?

A: A REALTOR® is an agent or agency that belongs to the local or state board of REALTORS® and is affiliated with the "National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).  They follow a strict code of ethics beyond state license laws and also sponsor the Multiple Listing System (MLS), which is used to list houses for sale.