When you are looking to buy a home, you want to do so from a good real estate company. There are many to be found online and off, and there is an abundance of varying services. So how can you find the best one for you? To get started, you need to know some basic information about real estate companies. Here are some characteristics of a good real estate company.
Characteristics of a good real estate company: Real estate companies have experience. They also typically hire licensed professionals such as appraisers and inspectors, which means you can rest assured knowing that your real estate purchase is protected against fraudulent individuals and dishonest businesses. Additionally, real estate companies understand the importance of a warranty on their work.
Characteristics of a bad real estate company: A real estate company with a poor reputation is probably the most likely company you will run into. A bad real estate company will usually make up a story or two to create a bad reputation for itself. For example, they could tell a story of a former buyer who became ill in a real estate rehab and required extensive medical care. They might add that the buyer’s family had to spend thousands of dollars to remodel their home after they left, and thus could not pay for the home’s remodeling costs. Or, they might say that the buyer’s daughter committed suicide in the home, a story that will make many people think twice about doing business with them.
Characteristics of a good real estate company: If the real estate company you are interested in is a good one, it will have favorable recommendations. Real estate agents are supposed to provide honest information and they do. Also, real estate companies have a fiduciary duty to act honestly and fairly in all dealings with their clients. This means that they cannot lie to you or fail to disclose important information to you. If you do business with a real estate company that has a high level of complaints, you may want to go elsewhere to do business.
How good is the real estate company’s financial health? Real estate companies are required to submit audited financial statements to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency each year. OCC routinely checks these statements against the company’s financial records to ensure that the real estate company is healthy. If the OCC finds the real estate company to be financially unhealthy, it may warn the company or label it as “undercapitalized.”
How good are the real estate company’s terms of sales? Real estate companies are required by law to offer accurate quotes and prices for homes on their lots. A good real estate company is one that is accurate and timely. It is also a good idea to get an estimate of what your home would sell for before you contact a Realtor. Make sure you understand the terms of sale clearly before you sign anything.
Is your real estate agent working for you or against you? Some real estate agents represent only the seller, but not the buyer. This can lead to real estate companies that try to increase the price of your home so they will list it for more than it is worth. Working with a real estate agent who is actively representing you is important.
What other services does the real estate company offer? Many real estate companies have a website where they provide buyers and sellers with valuable information. They may even offer legal advice. Whatever services they offer should be in keeping with the specific needs of the real estate transaction.