Four of the most common problems that people have when buying a home without a realtor are:

1. Not understanding or wording correctly the Purchase Contract

2. Giving the seller the earnest money

3. Not doing the appropriate inspections on the home and the area values, rules, etc.

4. Not knowing how to keep the transaction moving

There are no enforceable verbal agreements in real estate. If you and the seller agree on something be sure it is reflected in the contract. Be sure to read and understand the contract, especially if provided by the seller. Don’t be afraid to have an attorney or other professional look at it. Most states have a contract that is “standard language” from the state.

Don’t ever give the seller the earnest money directly. Place it with an escrow company, such as a title company to keep it until closing.

Get the proper disclosures on the property. You want the seller to tell you in writing everything that is “wrong” with the property. Also it may be a good idea to have a home inspection done by a qualified inspector. Be sure to check the city and neighborhood regulations to make sure they allow you to do what you want to do. Also you may want to look to see if the property has any apparent encroachments or easements.

If you know real estate then buying on your own is not a big deal. For everyone else it can be a complicated thing that if things go wrong could cause bad feelings, money damage, even court costs.

Most people will buy and sell real estate about 10 times in a lifetime. I may do 80+ real estate transactions in a year. Why not go with a professional who has your best interests in mind. I am FREE to you as a buyer and when you buy a property with me I am there to represent and look out for you.

I look forward to working with you!

R. Scott Stone
Principal Broker