Ask A Realtor

There are many other services that a licensed realtor can do or help with other than helping people find a home to buy or helping people sell their homes. Most of these the general public is not even aware of. I know I will not be able to list all of them so I am asking readers that can add other services, please do so in your comments following this article.

Financing – Realtors work with financing professionals on a fairly regular basis. Because of this fact they are very aware of the finance companies that work the hardest to get and keep a home buyer’s business. Realtors are also up to date with the latest interest rates and usually know which bank, mortgage company, or other finance institution has the best rates. Realtors are in the know with home loan types as well. Which one as the least amount down? Which one will be the easiest to apply for? What will I need to take with me when I go to meet the loan officer? These are all questions your realtor can answer. If they can’t, they know where to go to find out for you and will be glad to do so. Each one of these has pros and cons. Of course ultimately it is always the consumer’s decision, but a little inside knowledge always gives the buyer an edge or at the very least a comfort zone to work with. Do you have the qualifications for a FHA, VA, or USDA loan? Should you consider a conventional loan? What would your payments look like if the loan is for 10, 15, 20, or 30 years? So, ask your realtor!

Repairs, Maintenance, Moving Companies – Most realtors have a preferred list of experienced professionals that they can recommend. They cannot (in most states) give you  a single name, but they can provide you with a few names and numbers of people that will fill the need you have from lawn care to house cleaning, or reroofing to flooring. It is your choice which one to call on, but these choices are so much more reliable than picking one from the phone book. So, ask your realtor!

Utilities – A realtor can help you with whom to call for turning on your electricity, gas, water, phone, cable TV, and more. So, ask your realtor!

New home owners may need to know where these places are located: Grocery stores, medical facilities, libraries, parks, schools, churches, gyms, department stores, restaurants, theaters, and various other facilities and businesses. So, ask your realtor!