Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
With an exciting football season coming to a grand finale with the Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LIX, our Shore Local area is still all abuzz, but now the enthusiasm is shifting to the official kick-off to the spring 2025 real estate market.
New listings are coming on the market every day. Buyers are making offers, going under agreement and staying ahead of the curve because they are prepared and ready.
There is a swirl of positive activity as open houses are being held and buyers are looking to own their new home. With sellers ready to sell and buyers looking to buy, it’s time to hire a buyer’s agent to assist you.
Finding the perfect place to call home includes many factors and decisions in the home-buying process. There are many details to consider when finding the perfect home, including:
- Location
- Number of bedrooms
- Size and style of the home
- Convenience to work, relatives and friends
- School system and proximity to higher education
You’ll also need to decide on the type of home that suits your needs, whether it’s:
- A condo
- A residential single-family home
- A 55+ community
- A property with multiple acres
- A home within a homeowners association
Other important features to think about include:
- A pool
- Well water vs. city water
- Septic system vs. city sewer
- Curbs and sidewalks – or not
It can be overwhelming.
Now more than ever, having a professional real estate agent is a necessity. Newly mandated real estate procedures, which went into effect as of August 2024, require all sellers to fill out and provide seller disclosure forms on the property they are selling.
Additionally, when requesting to view a property with a real estate agent, the agent must ask if you currently have a buyer/broker agreement in writing with another agent. If not, then the real estate agent must obtain a written buyer/broker agreement from you before showing you the property. This agreement outlines the obligations, fiduciary duties and responsibilities of care and loyalty to you in assisting with finding your new home.
Here are more good reasons and benefits of hiring a real estate agent:
Real estate agents are your trusted advocates in the buying process. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 90% of all homebuyers and sellers have found and sold their homes through a real estate agent.
The term “Realtor” may only be used once a licensed agent, along with their broker of record and real estate office, belongs to their local, state and National Association of Realtors. These professionals are held to a higher standard of practice, with continuing education and a strict code of ethics required.
Real estate agents are licensed with the state and are trained to assist buyers and sellers in the home buying and selling process. Only after obtaining additional years of education, completing multiple transactions and gaining full-time real estate experience may some agents become licensed associate brokers or real estate brokers.
Your agent is a well-trained, strong negotiator who will get you the home you want. They will help you find and guide you in making the best choice in a home for you and your family, one you will enjoy for many years to come.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
