There are about 2 million real estate agents licensed in the United States, who sell about 4,940,000 homes a year. And among all that, you, with your favorite for a castle, or a studio. Surround yourself with the right people, choose the place to buy and check the right information ... Where, what and with whom, you are told everything.Real Estate Lawyer
1- Make use of a real estate agent, a good, a real
Are you somewhat lost among the various terminologies that all seem to qualify that person who makes you visit homes?
Here are some explanations:
Real Estate Agent: this is the one who holds a real estate license, granted according to different criteria according to the states, but always certifying that the person has followed a certain number of school hours.
A real estate agent can then be a sales professional, a broker, an associate broker ...
Realtor is a real estate agent, a member of the National Association of Realtors and a member of the National Association of Realtors who complies with a particular ethical code of 17 articles and undertakes to treat the parties honestly, Not to accept bribes or any other amount that their commission, not to steal customers to another realtor ...
Real Estate Broker: In addition to being a real estate agent, he passed other exams allowing him to obtain his "broker license". Brokers can work alone or hire real estate agents to work with them.
Real Estate Salesperson: This is another name that also refers to a real estate agent.
Real Estate Associate Broker: A real estate agent who followed other courses than "simple" agents but chose to work under the guidance of a Broker.
Make sure your agent is a graduate, licensed or licensed in the state in which you wish to buy, and that he has not received any bad reviews or appreciations from his former clients or colleagues.mortgage loan
You can for example check the "credentials" of real estate agents on sites like:
Look for the name of your real estate agent followed by "real estate licensing division" on a search engine, and you will know about when your agent got his license.
You can also ask your real estate agent to print his "records", obtained on the MLS, and see how many homes or apartments he sold, where they were located and for how much they were sold.
2- Choose your future neighborhood - «rent, rent, rent»!
Your very first consideration would of course be to determine if you prefer a house or apartment, and after that, where to look. In what neighborhood?
There are several factors to consider:
Are there schools nearby?
Do you find shops, department stores, shops?
Is it well served by public transport? Buses, metros, fast lanes not far away?
But also other information may be more difficult to obtain, but essential:
Are the grounds in the vicinity constructible? You will probably be happy not to buy a charming house that will soon be next to a water park, or to know that the neighbors will not do work for 2 years.
And will you be able to do work yourself if you wish? If one day you want to make a floor, dig a pool or build a small bench at the bottom of the garden, keep up to date before.real estate mortgage
Who is being asked? To your real estate attorney, who can perform this kind of research, at your request however. He will first do the research to answer all your questions on your own future terrain, and possibly on the land of the neighbor.
Are the surroundings flooded? Or, find out if the sea level can rise and transform your small hut at the bottom of the garden in the fisherman's hut, or if your building located on a seismic fault is not earthquake-resistant ...
Who is being asked? You can inquire at the town hall of the city of your future acquisition who will be able to give you this information.
3- Obtain all necessary authorizations
Of course, first of all, it is essential to have the necessary authorizations (and funds) for the benefit of your portfolio: your banker.
As a foreign investor, it is often difficult to get a loan in the United States, but solutions exist - specialized organizations, loans obtained in your country of origin. Know that banks will not usually grant you loans if your future home does not have a "clear title" - we explain you a little lower.
Once the sum is collected and the contract signed, a deposit must be deposited, retained by the attorney, which often equals 10% of the total sum.
Then comes the delightful meeting with the syndic. Generally, condominiums all have a syndic of condominiums that is responsible for approving your application - to review ALL your personal information. This approval is often a necessary condition for you to buy your apartment.real estate mortgage
4- Using a trusted inspector
The inspector is your 3rd best friend after your banker and your real estate agent. Once the contract has been signed, you have 15 days to do an inspection
- optional but advised - of your property. This is a crucial step in your purchasing process, which can reveal hidden defects, tell you about problems with your purchase, or tell you what information you might not have thought of.
If this report changes your mind, you have the right to cancel the contract and then recover the deposit you made. This can also be an opportunity to negotiate with the seller a lower price, if you still hold your duplex.
5- Surround yourself with a competent lawyer
The lawyer specializing in real estate law replaces the notary as it is known in France. He represents you throughout the transaction and defends your interests.
They can tell you if your home has a "clear title"; This "title" ensures that the house belongs to you well, and will enforce your rights if a conflict arises, or a "cloud on title" comes before you. As they say in the jargon, "buyer beware", and make sure you enjoy full ownership title, which may be burdened with a lien, possess a right of way, or have a mortgage.