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STEP 5 - HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Congratulations on Taking Action!

You’ve made a big step towards getting out of that expensive apartment and into a home of your own! You’re tired of paying sky-high rent, and now, you’re ready to buy a house. That’s an amazing decision, and the best part is, you don’t have to do it alone. By hiring a quality real estate agent, you’ll have someone to guide you every step of the way and help you find the perfect home faster.

STEP 5 - HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Congratulations on Taking Action!

WHY SHOULD YOU WORK WITH AN AGENT?

Here are some benefits of hiring a real estate agent.

Expert Guide: Buying a home comes with a lot of forms and paperwork. A real estate agent knows what documents you need and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Objective Information and Opinions: An agent offers helpful advice while staying neutral. They’ll guide you to make the best decisions for your budget and lifestyle.
Expanded Search Power: A good agent has access to a special system that shows homes not yet listed online. They can help you find all the homes that match what you’re looking for.
Strong Negotiator: Real estate agents fight for your needs. Whether it’s getting repairs done or negotiating a lower price, they’ll make sure you get a fair deal.
Up-to-Date Experience: Agents handle real estate every day. Even if you’ve bought a home before, your agent will know the latest rules and market trends to protect you.
Support During Emotional Moments: Buying a home is a huge decision, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Your agent will keep you calm and focused on what matters most.
Fair and Ethical Treatment: Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®. REALTORS® follow a strict code of ethics, meaning they’ll treat you fairly and professionally.
Save on Closing Costs: Real estate agents are skilled at negotiating for you to pay less. They can help you get the seller to cover some fees, like repairs or other costs.
Professional Home Inspection Guidance: A good agent can connect you with trusted inspectors to make sure the home is in great shape. They’ll be with you every step of the way.
Licensed Professionals Ensure Due Diligence: Agents are trained to investigate every detail of the property so you don’t get stuck with surprises later.
Get the Best Price: Agents use their market knowledge to make sure you don’t overpay for a home. They know when and how much to offer to get you the best deal.

Here are some benefits of hiring a real estate agent.

Expert Guide: Buying a home comes with a lot of forms and paperwork. A real estate agent knows what documents you need and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Objective Information and Opinions: An agent offers helpful advice while staying neutral. They’ll guide you to make the best decisions for your budget and lifestyle.
Expanded Search Power: A good agent has access to a special system that shows homes not yet listed online. They can help you find all the homes that match what you’re looking for.
Strong Negotiator: Real estate agents fight for your needs. Whether it’s getting repairs done or negotiating a lower price, they’ll make sure you get a fair deal.
Up-to-Date Experience: Agents handle real estate every day. Even if you’ve bought a home before, your agent will know the latest rules and market trends to protect you.
Support During Emotional Moments: Buying a home is a huge decision, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Your agent will keep you calm and focused on what matters most.
Fair and Ethical Treatment: Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®. REALTORS® follow a strict code of ethics, meaning they’ll treat you fairly and professionally.
Save on Closing Costs: Real estate agents are skilled at negotiating for you to pay less. They can help you get the seller to cover some fees, like repairs or other costs.
Professional Home Inspection Guidance: A good agent can connect you with trusted inspectors to make sure the home is in great shape. They’ll be with you every step of the way.
Licensed Professionals Ensure Due Diligence: Agents are trained to investigate every detail of the property so you don’t get stuck with surprises later.
Get the Best Price: Agents use their market knowledge to make sure you don’t overpay for a home. They know when and how much to offer to get you the best deal.

AGENT HIRING DETAILS

Detailed Checklist for Hiring a Real Estate Agent

1. Interview No Less Than Three Real Estate Agents

Ask about their experience: You wouldn’t let a rookie barber cut your hair, so don’t trust a newbie agent with your biggest purchase!
Know their specialization: First-time buyers? Luxury homes? If you’re buying your first cozy cottage, you don’t need a mansion expert.
Understand their process: Will they help you with everything from finding homes to holding your hand when the paperwork pile gets scary?
Ask about their familiarity with your target area: Do they know the neighborhood well enough to tell you which bakery has the best croissants? (Very important stuff!)
Evaluate their communication style: Do they text back faster than your best friend, or do they make you feel like you’re talking to a brick wall?
Discuss their availability: Are they weekend warriors ready for house-hunting marathons, or only available on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m.?
Ask about their network: Can they recommend solid home inspectors and mortgage brokers, or do they shrug when you ask for contacts? (A connected agent is like a well-stocked toolbox!)

2. Listen to Your Instincts

Evaluate their enthusiasm: Do they look as excited as you are about finding your dream home, or are they giving you “meh” vibes?
Watch their body language: Are they nodding and smiling, or checking their watch like they’ve got somewhere better to be?
Consider your comfort level: Can you picture spending hours with this person looking at houses, or are you already planning your escape?
Check their honesty: Are they giving it to you straight, or do they sound like a used car salesman trying to convince you a leaky roof is "character"?
Gauge their patience: If they start twitching every time you mention needing more time, they’re probably not the right fit for you. You want a partner, not a drill sergeant.

3. Check the Agent’s References

Request at least three references: If they can’t provide them, you might wonder if their last client disappeared under mysterious circumstances!
Ask about communication: Did the agent respond like a ninja or were they slower than molasses in winter?
Learn about negotiation skills: Can they haggle like a pro, or are they more of a "Sure, I’ll take full price, no problem!" type?
Inquire about the overall experience: Was the process smooth and pleasant, or did it feel like a reality show where everything goes wrong?
Ask if they’d work with the agent again: If their answer sounds like, “I’d rather wrestle a bear,” you know what to do.
Look for consistency: If everyone says, “Best agent ever!” you’re onto a winner. If they all say, “It was... interesting,” proceed with caution.

4. Read the Contract

Understand the agent’s commission: Make sure their commission won’t cost you your firstborn child... usually it’s 2.5%–3%.
Check the contract’s duration: Is it long enough to find a house without needing to sign your life away?
Understand exclusivity: If you’re committing to only this agent, make sure they’re “the one” and not just a fling.
Know how to terminate the agreement: What’s your exit strategy if this partnership turns out to be a disaster? (Think “get out of jail free” card.)
Look for extra fees: Surprise! You don’t want to find out later you’ve been hit with secret fees, so check the fine print.
Ensure the contract matches your discussions: If they promised you the moon but the contract doesn’t mention it, you might just get stuck with some dirt.

These are the four basic checklist items you need to make sure that you hire a real estate agent that will take care of you and help you find your dream home.

Detailed Checklist for Hiring a Real Estate Agent

1. Interview No Less Than Three Real Estate Agents

Ask about their experience: You wouldn’t let a rookie barber cut your hair, so don’t trust a newbie agent with your biggest purchase!
Know their specialization: First-time buyers? Luxury homes? If you’re buying your first cozy cottage, you don’t need a mansion expert.
Understand their process: Will they help you with everything from finding homes to holding your hand when the paperwork pile gets scary?
Ask about their familiarity with your target area: Do they know the neighborhood well enough to tell you which bakery has the best croissants? (Very important stuff!)
Evaluate their communication style: Do they text back faster than your best friend, or do they make you feel like you’re talking to a brick wall?
Discuss their availability: Are they weekend warriors ready for house-hunting marathons, or only available on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m.?
Ask about their network: Can they recommend solid home inspectors and mortgage brokers, or do they shrug when you ask for contacts? (A connected agent is like a well-stocked toolbox!)

2. Listen to Your Instincts

Evaluate their enthusiasm: Do they look as excited as you are about finding your dream home, or are they giving you “meh” vibes?
Watch their body language: Are they nodding and smiling, or checking their watch like they’ve got somewhere better to be?
Consider your comfort level: Can you picture spending hours with this person looking at houses, or are you already planning your escape?
Check their honesty: Are they giving it to you straight, or do they sound like a used car salesman trying to convince you a leaky roof is "character"?
Gauge their patience: If they start twitching every time you mention needing more time, they’re probably not the right fit for you. You want a partner, not a drill sergeant.

3. Check the Agent’s References

Request at least three references: If they can’t provide them, you might wonder if their last client disappeared under mysterious circumstances!
Ask about communication: Did the agent respond like a ninja or were they slower than molasses in winter?
Learn about negotiation skills: Can they haggle like a pro, or are they more of a "Sure, I’ll take full price, no problem!" type?
Inquire about the overall experience: Was the process smooth and pleasant, or did it feel like a reality show where everything goes wrong?
Ask if they’d work with the agent again: If their answer sounds like, “I’d rather wrestle a bear,” you know what to do.
Look for consistency: If everyone says, “Best agent ever!” you’re onto a winner. If they all say, “It was... interesting,” proceed with caution.

4. Read the Contract

Understand the agent’s commission: Make sure their commission won’t cost you your firstborn child... usually it’s 2.5%–3%.
Check the contract’s duration: Is it long enough to find a house without needing to sign your life away?
Understand exclusivity: If you’re committing to only this agent, make sure they’re “the one” and not just a fling.
Know how to terminate the agreement: What’s your exit strategy if this partnership turns out to be a disaster? (Think “get out of jail free” card.)
Look for extra fees: Surprise! You don’t want to find out later you’ve been hit with secret fees, so check the fine print.
Ensure the contract matches your discussions: If they promised you the moon but the contract doesn’t mention it, you might just get stuck with some dirt.

These are the four basic checklist items you need to make sure that you hire a real estate agent that will take care of you and help you find your dream home.

STEP-BY-STEP WORKING WITH AN AGENT?

Ok... so you want to know the exact steps to buying a house. Well... here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown of what a real estate agent does to help a homebuyer purchase a house from a seller who is working with a listing agent.

1. The Introduction (Meet and Greet)

Objective: You need to know who you are about to work with for the next 30 to 90 days in the house buying process. In the industry, we call it "Forming a Relationship".
What happens: You interview the agent to see if it is a good fit to work with the agent. You are not locked in to work with an agent that is assigned to you. After all, you are the one who is hiring the agent. Once hired, the agent has duties they need to uphold and perform for you. They give up all their interest for yours just to see you buy a house. Now... this does not give you the right to abuse the agent... bugging the agent at 5am or 10pm at night about what's going on with the process. After all, they do have a life too. If the agent is a good agent, you won't have to call and track them down. They will update you about everything. That is what you hired them for... right?

2. Mortgage Pre-Approval: AKA “Let’s See What the Bank Says”

Objective: The real estate agent can help direct you to a mortgage lender to get you pre-approved for a mortgage.
What happens: The real estate agent will connect you with a trusted mortgage broker, who will ask for every financial document under the sun. Paystubs, tax returns, bank statements... basically, everything but a blood sample. This step is crucial because it shows home sellers that you are a serious home buyer who is ready willing and able to pull the trigger and buy the home... within budget.

3. House Criteria Discovery

Objective: Get to know the buyer’s wants, needs, and quirks. This is where the agent finds out if you are looking for a suburban paradise, city vibe, or a cozy little nook with a cat room. (BUYERS CRITERIA)... Remember this from the last step?
What happens Now: The agent needs to know every question under the sun: “How many bedrooms?”, “Do you like open floor plans?”, “Is a pool a dream or a nightmare?” They will want to know your budget, of course. Maybe throw in a joke or two to lighten the mood. Home buying is serious, but not that serious.... yeah it's serious.

4. The Search: AKA “Let’s Find Your Dream Home”

Objective: Scour the earth (okay, just your local area) for houses that match your wish list.
What happens: The agent uses the mystical MLS system. The agent sends you specific listings. They’ll spend hours scrolling through pictures, imagining where the couch will go, and which wall they’ll knock down (thanks, HGTV). Then, they will send you a list of their favorites, and then you get prepared for... check out number 5 below.

5. Showings: AKA “House Hunting Adventures”

Objective: Tour properties and help you envision your future in each home.
What happens: The agent ninja will schedule you back-to-back house showings for you. the agent will point out the pros and cons of each property... “Look at that gorgeous kitchen island” or “Well, that’s an interesting wallpaper choice!” Although, you will want to remove your emotions and simply visualize yourself living in that house. Carefully inspect each home with a sharp eye. You will be surprise to find so many home issues when you remove emotion. We will discuss this later, and your gonna love it.

6. The Offer: AKA “Time to Get Serious”

Objective: Agent crafts a competitive offer that the seller can’t refuse.
What happens: After you have fallen in love with “the one house,” the agent whips up an offer that’s strategically priced and includes any contingencies (inspection, financing, etc.). You pay a generous earnest money deposit that let's the seller know that you are serious. “It’s like a security deposit but without the rental nightmares.” You might even add a personal letter, tugging at the seller’s heartstrings. Or, at least try.

7. Negotiation: AKA “The Poker Game”

Objective: Agent get the best deal for you while keeping everyone happy.
What happens: The seller’s listing agent comes back with a counteroffer, because of course... that what they do. Now it’s your time to shine! You negotiate like you’re haggling for the last slice of pizza. Whether it’s a price adjustment, closing costs, or a repair credit for that questionable roof, your agent works to get you the best deal while keeping things light and friendly—after all, this is real estate, not Shark Tank.

8. Inspections: AKA “Let’s Make Sure the House Isn’t a Money Pit”

Objective: Ensure the home is in good condition, or at least doesn’t have hidden horrors.
What happens: Your agent helps schedule a home inspection, where the inspector comes in and pokes around every nook and cranny. They’ll look at the foundation, roof, plumbing, and that mysterious squeaky floorboard. Your agent explains to you that it’s normal for inspectors to find things wrong with every house. After all, it’s their job, even if it is a brand new house. Yep.... I've seen it all

9. Appraisal: AKA “Let’s See If the Bank Agrees”

Objective: Make sure the house is worth what you are about to pay.
What happens: The lender sends out an appraiser to evaluate the home’s value. If the appraisal comes back on target, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. If it comes in low, time fo rmore negotiations, or you can simply walk away. Arggggggg

10. Final Walkthrough: AKA “The Last House Date Before the Wedding”

Objective: Ensure everything is as expected before the buyer signs on the dotted line.
What happens: You and your agent do one last walkthrough of the property a day or two before closing. Your agent checks to make sure the seller didn’t take all the fixtures, appliances or leave a giant hole in the wall behind a painting. Everything looks good? Fantastic! Your buyer is practically glowing with excitement.

11. Closing Day: AKA “Sign, Sign, Sign, and Celebrate”

Objective: Finalize the deal and hand over the keys.
What happens: You meet at the title company or attorney’s office, depending on what state you are in, and you sign a mountain of paperwork that will make you feel like you're buying a small country. After everything is signed, the deed is recorded, and you officially become a homeowner. Sounds great right?

1. The Introduction (Meet and Greet)

Objective: You need to know who you are about to work with for the next 30 to 90 days in the house buying process. In the industry, we call it "Forming a Relationship".
What happens: You interview the agent to see if it is a good fit to work with the agent. You are not locked in to work with an agent that is assigned to you. After all, you are the one who is hiring the agent. Once hired, the agent has duties they need to uphold and perform for you. They give up all their interest for yours just to see you buy a house. Now... this does not give you the right to abuse the agent... bugging the agent at 5am or 10pm at night about what's going on with the process. After all, they do have a life too. If the agent is a good agent, you won't have to call and track them down. They will update you about everything. That is what you hired them for... right?

2. Mortgage Pre-Approval: AKA “Let’s See What the Bank Says”

Objective: The real estate agent can help direct you to a mortgage lender to get you pre-approved for a mortgage.
What happens: The real estate agent will connect you with a trusted mortgage broker, who will ask for every financial document under the sun. Paystubs, tax returns, bank statements... basically, everything but a blood sample. This step is crucial because it shows home sellers that you are a serious home buyer who is ready willing and able to pull the trigger and buy the home... within budget.

3. House Criteria Discovery

Objective: Get to know the buyer’s wants, needs, and quirks. This is where the agent finds out if you are looking for a suburban paradise, city vibe, or a cozy little nook with a cat room. (BUYERS CRITERIA)... Remember this from the last step?
What happens Now: The agent needs to know every question under the sun: “How many bedrooms?”, “Do you like open floor plans?”, “Is a pool a dream or a nightmare?” They will want to know your budget, of course. Maybe throw in a joke or two to lighten the mood. Home buying is serious, but not that serious.... yeah it's serious.

4. The Search: AKA “Let’s Find Your Dream Home”

Objective: Scour the earth (okay, just your local area) for houses that match your wish list.
What happens: The agent uses the mystical MLS system. The agent sends you specific listings. They’ll spend hours scrolling through pictures, imagining where the couch will go, and which wall they’ll knock down (thanks, HGTV). Then, they will send you a list of their favorites, and then you get prepared for... check out number 5 below.

5. Showings: AKA “House Hunting Adventures”

Objective: Tour properties and help you envision your future in each home.
What happens: The agent ninja will schedule you back-to-back house showings for you. the agent will point out the pros and cons of each property... “Look at that gorgeous kitchen island” or “Well, that’s an interesting wallpaper choice!” Although, you will want to remove your emotions and simply visualize yourself living in that house. Carefully inspect each home with a sharp eye. You will be surprise to find so many home issues when you remove emotion. We will discuss this later, and your gonna love it.

6. The Offer: AKA “Time to Get Serious”

Objective: Agent crafts a competitive offer that the seller can’t refuse.
What happens: After you have fallen in love with “the one house,” the agent whips up an offer that’s strategically priced and includes any contingencies (inspection, financing, etc.). You pay a generous earnest money deposit that let's the seller know that you are serious. “It’s like a security deposit but without the rental nightmares.” You might even add a personal letter, tugging at the seller’s heartstrings. Or, at least try.

7. Negotiation: AKA “The Poker Game”

Objective: Agent get the best deal for you while keeping everyone happy.
What happens: The seller’s listing agent comes back with a counteroffer, because of course... that what they do. Now it’s your time to shine! You negotiate like you’re haggling for the last slice of pizza. Whether it’s a price adjustment, closing costs, or a repair credit for that questionable roof, your agent works to get you the best deal while keeping things light and friendly—after all, this is real estate, not Shark Tank.

8. Inspections: AKA “Let’s Make Sure the House Isn’t a Money Pit”

Objective: Ensure the home is in good condition, or at least doesn’t have hidden horrors.
What happens: Your agent helps schedule a home inspection, where the inspector comes in and pokes around every nook and cranny. They’ll look at the foundation, roof, plumbing, and that mysterious squeaky floorboard. Your agent explains to you that it’s normal for inspectors to find things wrong with every house. After all, it’s their job, even if it is a brand new house. Yep.... I've seen it all

9. Appraisal: AKA “Let’s See If the Bank Agrees”

Objective: Make sure the house is worth what you are about to pay.
What happens: The lender sends out an appraiser to evaluate the home’s value. If the appraisal comes back on target, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. If it comes in low, time fo rmore negotiations, or you can simply walk away. Arggggggg

10. Final Walkthrough: AKA “The Last House Date Before the Wedding”

Objective: Ensure everything is as expected before the buyer signs on the dotted line.
What happens: You and your agent do one last walkthrough of the property a day or two before closing. Your agent checks to make sure the seller didn’t take all the fixtures, appliances or leave a giant hole in the wall behind a painting. Everything looks good? Fantastic! Your buyer is practically glowing with excitement.

11. Closing Day: AKA “Sign, Sign, Sign, and Celebrate”

Objective: Finalize the deal and hand over the keys.
What happens: You meet at the title company or attorney’s office, depending on what state you are in, and you sign a mountain of paperwork that will make you feel like you're buying a small country. After everything is signed, the deed is recorded, and you officially become a homeowner. Sounds great right?

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

Your action step right now... right here... is to contact a real estate agent that will work on your behalf to help you find that dream home in whatever city in the USA you are located. Like I said earlier, I have friends all over this great country that will step in and take you by the hand and walk you right into that beautiful home that you deserve.

After you get setup with a real estate agent in your city, be prepared to be off and running to view house after house from your specific criteria. These houses are not on zillow.com that has not sold in 9 months. You could have found those properties yourself, but the agent is on a mission to find you something that you have never seen before.

So don’t wait... don't hesitate or you might end up paying high rent forever, watching as others find their dream homes. Most people who take action find happiness in owning their home, but those who delay often miss out and stay stuck. Whether you choose to take action now or later, the key is to act now. The sooner you move, the sooner you’ll stop wasting money on rent and start enjoying your new home, and you know that I'm telling the truth, because I know for sure, that everytime you pay that sky high rent, it feels like somebody is punching you right in the gut.... $1700 a month or more.

SO WHAT'S NEXT?

Once you hire your real estate agent, and you get an offer accepted with a seller, it's time to do your due digence on the house. This is the time where you make sure that you are not buying a problem property. The due dillegence period has many moving parts, and I have tons of information to help you with this step.

So, click the link below to go to the next step.

STEP 6: Due Dillegence

So, click the link below to go to the next step.

STEP 6: Due Dillegence

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