Buying or selling real estate can be a daunting task and we know you have questions - especially if you've never done it before! And, because our goal is to make your home buying or selling experience go as smoothly as possible, we want to help. This page highlights some of the most common questions we receive.

What's the first step in home buying?

Having your financing in place.
Once you have firmly established the amount of money you wish to invest and "jumped through all the hoops" of a lending institution, the rest is fun! We work with several fine lenders and will be happy to supply you with a list of them. Remember, there are hundreds of loan programs, lenders and often times hidden costs - make sure you have a good REALTOR® to guide you. Let us help!

Aren't all Real Estate Agents the same?

No.
Anyone who completes 90 hours of classroom instruction and passes a test can hold a Real Estate license. If these Agents choose to join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), they become REALTORS®; adhereing to a strict Code of Ethics and Professionalism. Only 4% of the REALTORS® nationwide go on to attain the highest Real Estate designation, the CRS ( Certified Residential Specialist). National statistics show that approximately 80% of REALTORS® nationwide are either new (less than three years) or part time agents. Experience, education and ethics are the basis of Bridget Reynolds Realty™.

Do I really need a REALTOR® to buy a NEW home? Doesn't the builder do everything for me?

Yes, you do! - and NO, they DON'T!
The sales people at a new home development work for the Builder - not the Buyer! Their job is to sell every lot and control as many of the transactions as possible, thereby assuring that the Builder's interests are first priority. There is absolutely NO representation of the Buyer from the Builder's sales agents! Now for the worst part - there is always a commission "figured in" the sales price of new homes, and it is illegal for the Builder to give that commission to the Buyer in the place of the Buyer not having their own representation. So bottom line - if you buy a new home you've already paid for an agent, so choose one you can trust!

Is all the paperwork used in Real Estate really necessary, and really how much is there?

YES! - All of it is needed!
There are literally hundreds of legal forms, disclosures, and other forms used in Real Estate transactions. And good Agents use a lot of them, with the purpose of helping to protect our clients and ourselves from future problems and sometimes even lawsuits. The real key to a successful and smooth transaction often lies with the representation you receive as a buyer or seller. Interview, ask questions and check references from the agent you are considering using. Find out if your agent uses forms to protect you. It could mean the difference in thousands of dollars, future legal problems, stress and your time. Remember - a discount agent is not always the best choice!