Finding the right real estate real estate consultant to aide you in the purchase is absolutely critical to ensuring that you, not only get the home that you want, but one on terms that are acceptable to you.

Often times, home buyers will start their home search looking for a home, contact the agent on the sign or in a real estate magazine and start the home search process there. That could be a huge mistake!

Why?

The agent on the sign or in the real estate magazine has already agreed to represent the sellers interest in the real estate transaction. By law, they are obligated to share any information that you have shared with them with the seller, regardless of confidentiallity.

In North and South Carolina, the agent that represents the seller (or anyone in their firm since it's the firm that represents the clients not the individual agent) may also agree to represent the buyer in a situation called dual agency. However stop for a second.

If the seller's agent agrees to also represent you as a buyer in the same transaction, who do they represent at that point?

The best solution is to schedule an in-office appointment with a real estate consultant before ever looking at a home and discussing personal information. That way, they can share information about the home buying process with you (specific to your type of transaction).

A few questions you may want to ask are:

• How long have you been in a Realtor® in my area?
• How many first time home buyers have worked with recently?
• What is your niche?
• What tools do you have available to aide in the home search?
• How many, of the type of property you're looking for, have you sold ? (This is more to do with someone looking a buying a condo since these transactions are a little different.)
• What incentives are available for first time home buyers?

We can only speak for ourselves

The Charlotte House Hunter Group has a combined 30+ years of real estate experience. Susan Shirley, our group's buyer specialist, has been in Charlotte real estate in various capacities since 1988. Jonathan Osman, the group's founder and leader started was first licensed in 2003 - sold real estate successfully in the DC Metro area - then moved to Charlotte in 2006. Kristin Ayers, our Transaction Manager, is our "rookie" with only x years in. Much of that time was spent as a commercial real estate broker with one of the leading firms in the Charlotte area.

Our group closes between 12 - 24 first time home buyer transactions a year so we are well aware of the latest trends, incentives, and opportunities for first time buyers.

We do not charge buyers any up-front fees to employ our services. Our fees are paid for from the sellers proceeds at closing.

The Home Buyer Tax Credit

Schedule a Buyer Consultation

Attend a Home Buyer Workshop

Finding a Real Estate Consultant

The Mortgage Approval Process

Let the Home Search Begin!

Making an Offer

We Have a Contract. Now What

The Final Week

The Closing: Home is Yours

Real Estate Terms

Free Downloads for First Time Home Buyers

First Time Home Buyer Blog Posts