1-800-825-4863    contact us | en español | site map
CFC home | about us | investor relations | business partners 
Home PurchaseRefinanceHome EquityToday's RatesCustomer ServiceCountrywide Home Loans
 
Buying and Owning


Benefits of Using a Real Estate Professional

Purchasing a home is the largest investment most people make in their lives. Whether you're a buyer or seller, a real estate professional can help protect your interests and potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Reasons to use a real estate professional when buying
Reasons to use a real estate professional when selling

To locate a real estate professional in your area, click here to search by state or ZIP code. 		 
  The Home Buying Process
  Tax Advantages
  House Hunting Tips
  Benefits of Using a Real Estate Professional
  Tips on Selling Your Home
  Home Appraisal
  Home Warranty
  Home Inspection
  Home Maintenance Tips
 
Reasons to use a real estate professional when buying.
When you're a buyer, their services are usually paid by the seller.
The agent you work with will typically be paid from part of the commission taken from the sales price of the home.
Agents know how to negotiate with a seller and their real estate agent.
Home negotiations can be complicated and involve a wide range of factors. Your agent will look out for your interests and catch many things you may have missed. From the purchase agreement to closing, their job is to make sure you get the best deal.
Agents know what to look for in a home.
They can help you evaluate whether a home is smart investment or how the price compares to other homes in the neighborhood. They can tell you about the area's schools and other facilities.
Agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and will keep tabs on the market for you.
The MLS gives agents the latest information on every home listed by a real estate agent in your market. From it, they know how long a home has been on the market and what special features the property may have.
Agents can direct you to all the people and services you'll need to complete the deal.
They can recommend house and pest inspectors, title companies, and tax and legal professionals.
Agents keep the deal rolling.
When you make a purchase agreement on a house, you suddenly have a lot of things to do in a short amount of time. Real estate agents can help orchestrate the buying process, letting you concentrate on getting each individual task done.

 BACK TO TOP

Reasons to use a real estate professional when selling.
Agents are worth the commission.
When you consider all the things an agent does for you from the time you list your home with them until the time the sale closes, the commission is usually money well spent. And in many cases, an agent can actually help you get more for your home.
Agents know how to sell a home.
Selling a home takes skill, experience and a good understanding of both the market and buyers. Agents know how to market a home and attract prospective buyers. Even more important, they know how to answer concerns and close a sale.
Agents have a feel for the market.
By selecting an agent familiar with your neighborhood, you'll be getting years of expertise in the home values in your area and the competition you face from other homes on the market.
Agents know what makes houses sell.
Your agent can give you great independent advice on how to inexpensively spruce up your home and prepare it for selling.
Agents help you evaluate buyers.
Buyers need to be screened. Agents can recognize real interest and determine whether someone can really afford your home and meet your contingencies.
Agents are ideal intermediaries between you and the buyer.
House deals often involve some degree of negotiations. And because there's a lot of money and emotions involved, sometimes these negotiations become strained. Having someone represent you puts you in a stronger position. Especially when that person is an agent who handles these kinds of negotiations every day.
Agents will put your house into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
This service is the number one reference agents use to help buyers look for homes. Having your home in the MLS puts every agent in the area on alert that your home is for sale.
Agents know how to hold an open house that sells.
There's a lot you can do to make an open house successful. Most agents spend nearly every weekend holding them. Their knowledge and expert handling of the open house is invaluable.
Agents represent you throughout the sale.
Once a purchase agreement has been signed, the sale has only begun. An agent will make sure your interests are reflected in the agreement and then help you make sure every obligation you have in the sale is carried out on time. If a hitch to the sale comes up, your agent will help you fix it.

 BACK TO TOP

   
   
Countrywide has a huge selection of loans built to suit specific needs of our customers. Our home loan experts are ready to help you find the loan that’s right for you! Contact us now to get a FREE, no obligation loan consultation:
1-800-825-4863
  Available 7 days/week
  Quick and easy process
  Low, up-to-the-minute rates available by phone
  Ask about our no-closing cost loans
Are you a current
Countrywide Customer?
Yes   No
Purpose of Loan:
 
  Equal Housing Lender Equal Housing Lenders. © 2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB, Countrywide Home Loans Division. Member FDIC. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or its subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. Privacy & Security.