Choosing a buyer’s agent is often a difficult process. Therefore, once you choose a great buyer’s agent who will work with you to find the best Plano home for you, it is important to also hold up your end of the bargain. In other words, your real estate agent will be doing everything necessary to find your next home, so you, too, must be prepared to uphold a certain set of responsibilities so that the relationship and the outcome are successful.

Here is what you need to know:

• Your real estate agent works on commission. In other words, if your agent does not close on your real estate transaction, he or she will not get paid, regardless of all the hard work he or she put into finding you a home. With that said, do not use the services of a buyer’s agent unless you are serious about finding a new home. It simply doesn’t make very good sense to waste someone’s time and money because you have no serious plans about buying a new home.
• Be respectful of the agent’s time. You will likely not be you agent’s only client, so be respectful of his or her time. Some of the things you can do to remain courteous and respectful include: keeping your appointments; arriving on time; and not expecting the agent to be at your beck and call.
• Do not call a listing agent once you have a buyer’s agent. Many times, buyers will call the listing agent on a property they want to see; however, this is not the best protocol, as the listing agent is working for the sellers. Therefore, when you want to see a home, contact your agent, who will then set up an appointment with the listing agent.
• Signing a broker’s agreement protects both you and the agent. Your buyer’s agent will likely ask you to sign a broker’s agreement. This details the agent’s duty, as well as your responsibilities, thereby protecting both members of the agreement. You should be able to release the agent from the agreement if the relationship doesn’t work out, so make sure your agreement includes this verbiage.

There is a seemingly endless array of decisions to make when purchasing a home. Where do I want to live? How much home can I afford? What amenities and features do I want in my home?

Another important question that many buyers face is: do I want to purchase a new home or an existing home?

The answer to this question may be a bit tricky, as there are a number of pros and cons to purchasing both a new home and an existing home. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision between new and old:

• Workmanship and craftsmanship – Many home buyers gravitate towards older homes because, often times, there is more attention paid to craftsmanship in older homes. Although this is often the case, many of the newer homes also have beautiful features that are reminiscent of older homes.  For example, Highland Park boasts beautiful architecture in both its older homes and new homes.
• Updates and Energy Efficiency – Most new home builders of today are committed to energy efficiency and, as a result, incorporate many environmentally sensitive building products into their homes. However, it is also important to note that many homeowners of pre-existing homes also update their homes with newer windows, doors, insulation and appliances, all of which are focused on energy efficiency.
• Amenities and Conveniences – Many new homes boast such great features and conveniences as master suites, gourmet kitchens and fantastic outdoor living spaces. However, many older homes have these same features and amenities, thanks to homeowners who are committed to keeping their homes up to date.
• Natural surroundings – Many home buyers tend to look at existing homes because they offer mature landscaping and large trees. Established home communities often have more character and ambience because of the mature, natural surroundings.
• Appreciation – Newer Highland Park homes, in general, appreciate in value much faster than existing homes; however, the appreciation of a home ultimately depends on its features, amenities and, most of all, location.

Buying a new home doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! In fact, if you know what to expect, and are prepared for what lies ahead, purchasing a new home can be quite enjoyable and satisfying.

Unlike purchasing an existing University Park home, purchasing a new home presents a number of challenges, including the construction process and working with a builder. However, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your home buying experience can be incredibly rewarding, provided you understand the process of purchasing a new home.

• Find a lender and get pre-qualified – Just like a typical home loan, you must get pre-qualified with a lender. Many times, home builders work with particular lenders, and can offer buyers additional incentives if they use those lenders. However, it is still a good idea to check out rates and terms with other lenders before deciding on the builder’s lender. Don’t let incentives sway you; instead, pay close attention to interest rates and look at the long-term picture.
• Narrow down your home choices based on the area in which you want to live – The process of building a new home or finding a new home community is a lot easier if you narrow down your choices according to geographical factors. Things to consider when deciding on an area in which to live include: the school district; the proximity to your work, school, church or highway; the neighborhood itself; and home values.
• Use the Internet to begin your search for new homes – Many new home communities and builders have great websites that you can use to learn more about the new homes. Searching the Internet for new home information can save you a great deal of time and leg work.
• Consider hiring a real estate agent instead of using the builder’s sales representatives - The sales representative for a new home builder is working for the builder, not for you. It is because of this that you may want to consider using the services of another qualified real estate agent when purchasing a new home.