Here we are in February already! Where did January go? Many buyers out there that qualify for the extended and new existing home buyer tax credit are probably thinking they have plenty of time to shop for and purchase a home before the deadline hits. But home buying is a process that involves a lot more than just picking out a home. On average it takes a buyer 4.1 months to be in the “active buying” stage of purchasing a home. That means going on showings with an agent and writing a purchase contract. Buyers spend an average of 16.7 months just getting to that active buying stage!! That includes shopping online, discovering their buying power (how much can I afford?) in today’s market and selecting an agent! Considering we have just 84 days until the required deadline for for having a home under contract to receive the tax credit, I would say it is time to start shopping!!! The CBSHOME.com website is a great place to start!
Choosing a real estate agent, whether in Omaha or elsewhere in the USA, is not always as easy as looking through the paper or calling the name on the sign. Sometimes other people’s personal experience is the best reference for choosing an agent.
When choosing a real estate agent, what should you look for? According to Realtor.org there are 12 questions to ask an agent that will help you in the decision making process.
Certainly connecting with an agent on a personal level is a must. Do you have a sense of trust with this person? Do you respect their opinion on the pros and cons of buying or selling? There are a lot of real estate agents out there.
So what sets an agent apart? All agents go through basic education and testing to become licensed in the state of Nebraska. After being hired by a brokerage or becoming a broker themselves, all agents are required to take 12 hours of continuing education classes on various topics every 2 years as long as the maintain their license. At CBSHOME, there are additional training programs in place that new agents are required to take as they begin the business. Classes on contract writing, inspections, measuring a home, creating a market analysis and marketing are just a few.
Whoever you choose, be sure to be open and honest with your agent about your needs and concerns so they can guide you in the best way possible to get you into the home you’ve been dreaming of!
Ready to start shopping for a home or thinking about selling? Check out Myhre Home Team
