The home buying process involves many steps and parties working together. When working with a real estate agent, there are several important things to know. The agent must provide a document explaining agency relationships and get the buyer's signature. The agent can show any home listed in the MLS and must be the procuring cause of a sale to earn commission. Attending an open house without the agent may prevent them from helping with the sale. A pre-approval from a lender is critical, and the agent can help buyers find listings meeting their criteria.

1. The home buying process is complex and involves many people working together to get to the preparation of the contract and the successful closing. When working with your real estate agent to buy a home, there are some things of which you may not be aware. 1. In the state of Ohio I am required by law to give to you a document called quot;
The Consumer Guide to Agency Relationshipsquot;
. Companies may differ on the title of the document but it should explain to you the types of relationships that may occur between you and your agent. This must be presented to you at, or prior to your first meeting with me. You should read it carefully and call me with any questions. After your questions, if any, have been answered, please sign, date and return the document to me. Keep in mind that this is NOT a contract with me or my company. 2. Agents in good standing are able to show you any home listed in the Multiple Listing Service. I have met some buyers that think they must call the company or agent that has the home listed and this is not true. I can show you any home that is listed with the multiple listing service. 3. In order for your agent to earn a commission, they must be the procuring cause of the sale. In its most simplistic form it means that they must be the first one to show you the home, and be involved in the chain of events leading to the sale. 4. If you attend an open house without your agent, it is possible that he/she will not be able to help you with the sale. (See procuring cause in number 3). I often hold open houses on Sundays but if you let me know there is an open house you would like to attend, all it takes is a phone call to me. My preference is to accompany you either before or after the open house, or I will call the agent who will be at the home you want to see. Most agents will gladly welcome you into the open house as my client, provided I have called them in advance. 5. A pre-approval from your lender is critical to the home buying process. Lending guidelines have changed a great deal and a good loan officer will help you understand what is required for you to obtain a mortgage. 6. Most multiple listing services are designed to allow you to receive listings directly into your e-mail and ours is no different. In my opinion this is the very best way to find out about homes that will meet your criteria. Approximately 87% of the buying public begins their search on line and while the internet is a great tool, often the data is not current. Ours is called the client portal and once you have determined your needs/desires, I will enter you search criteria into our system which updates every 24 hours and you will receive the listings for all the homes that may be a fit, including those whose prices have been reduced and now meet your price requirements. 7. While I know and can appreciate that your needs/desires may change while you are looking for your home, please tell me so that I can adjust your search accordingly. 8. Buying a foreclosed or short sale home can be vastly different than a quot;
traditionalquot;
transaction and you may incur a much longer close. 9. Make sure the home you buy is inspected by a qualified professional.10. Lastly, the home buying process should be fun, informed and educational and lead to your purchase of just the right home. That is my ultimate goal!<br />