Completing a successful home purchase takes a series of steps that includes the gathering of “people resources.” You can’t do it alone. Others will automatically need to become involved in your home buying, so it makes sense to take a proactive approach since it’s best to start this process before you start looking at homes.  This will ensure that you have what you need from the top people in New Jersey when you find your dream home. With that said, here are the six steps to success for building your home buying team.

1. Determine What Services You’ll Need

First, sit down and determine what services you’ll need, from start to finish. This will give you a broad outline of how many people will be involved in your home buying process. Each home purchase will differ, but in general, you may need:

• Mortgage Banker
• Attorney
• Real estate agent
• Title company
• Surveyor
• Home inspection services
• Moving company

2. Shop Around for Services and People

Believe it or not, it’s not always easy to find quality services and people in your area. It almost feels sometimes like you have to be “in the business” before you have access to the right people who will be a valuable part of your home buying team. And while you might begin your search online, it is best to meet the people you plan on adding to your home buying team in person…or at least have a conversation by phone.  That way you can assess their qualifications and, more importantly, their level of commitment to you and your home buying process.  In other words, you’ll want to weed out those just interested in earning a commission and locate true professionals that have the time and desire to guide you through the home buying process successfully.

3. Ask Lots of Questions

No one expects you to have all the answers about home buying, especially if this is your first home purchase. Before adding any company or person to your home buying team, make a list of questions you have. Make sure they are willing and forthcoming with answers. As the home purchase moves through the various stages, you’ll want to feel confident you can always ask more questions and receive reliable, honest answers.

4. Ask for Recommendations

Anyone with sufficient experience should have a list of available recommendations or testimonials. Don’t feel shy about asking to see written recommendations, or to talk with willing past clients about the quality of service they received. Being able to provide business recommendations are a necessary part of getting new clients. Your home buying team should only be comprised of people and companies whom you’ve been able to vet by checking their recommendations.

5. Go with People You Trust

At the end of the day, you will need to work with people you feel you can trust. Trust your own instincts and choose companies and people who give you a positive feeling, and with whom you can communicate well. Being able to trust the people you work with to help you finance your home purchase is more valuable than anything else.

6. Use American United Realtor Finder

One of the first home buying team members you’ll be adding is a Realtor.  As part of the comprehensive services that American United offers, they have compiled a list of established and trusted agents in the area. Simply provide us with a basic description of what you’re looking for, and you’ll receive a list of American United’s favorite real estate agents. This service is offered for free, and with no obligation.  Find Your Realtor – Click Here

When building your home buying team, these six steps will help to ensure you end up with a team that has all the skills necessary to meet your needs.

For any of your home buying or financing questions, feel free to reach out Joe Farella, Industry expert, Author, and EVP for American United Mortgage Corporation, Scotch Plains, NJ.   Joe can be reached at:  908.322.5423 or by email:  joe@amercianunited.com