REAL ESTATE BUYERS: Do you want to buy a home in a historical low housing market? I would say yes. Buying or selling real estate is the single largest investment and one of the very basic source of satisfaction for a family. Along with a substantial financial commitment, such transactions usually involve risks, technicalities and legal considerations. You need a professional on your side to explain essential steps in the process. A professional suggests guidelines for avoiding pitfalls. You are not knowledgeable or experienced in negotiating terms, arranging financing, analyzing tax consequences, or handling related details, you may want to consult a Real Estate Professional. Before signing any document or paying any money, your Agent should carefully examine your requirements, resources and needs for professional help in all matters. An experienced, reputable real-estate agent is indispensable. Real Estate professional fees are already set to be part of the whole transaction. If you don't have an agent to represent you and protect your interests, then the seller's agent gets paid double. Normally you having an agent does not increase the price of a house. If you have a good negotiator on your side you actually pay less. Here are the tips for buyers: (1) Have yourself pre-qualified for a mortgage. This defines how much you can afford or want to spend. Take a minimum of three quotes from three different mortgage companies. Ask for a "good faith estimate" and compare all terms. Conventionally, 30-year fixed rate mortgages are considered to be the best. People with this type of mortgage are not going to see any change in the monthly payments. (2) Find yourself a well reputed real estate agent. Ask them some basic questions and get a feel if they are going to be a pushy agents or an agent who will work at your pace. (3) Never sign on a paper or a sign-up list (especially new homes) during showings if you are planning on acquiring a real estate agent to help you. (4) Never call seller's agent directly because for him/her the fiduciary duties to his/her clients come first. It also makes it difficult for your agent to represent you in the process. I want to serve your Real Estate professional needs with care, sensitivity and deep knowledge of the process. Suhail Kanwar, M.S., P.E. Realtor The Property Brokers Cell: (763) 221 6875 Direct: (651) 203 6630 www.HaryanaRealty.com SELLERS GIVE ME A CALL FOR FREE ADVICE.