Find the Right Real Estate Agent
The process of buying a home is complicated, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. Pre-approval letters, offers, earnest money, and contracts are a few of the many requirements that are needed to complete the transaction.

Different Agents
A Real Estate Agent who only sells properties and is in charge of placing a home in the Real Estate market with the best possible price is a seller broker. Agents who only buy homes and help you buy a home under a contract are called buyer brokers.
Finally, agents who buy and sell homes are called dual agents. This can create a conflict when it comes to interest rates.

Selection Factors

1. You can choose an agent referred by a relative or friend.
2. If possible, choose an agent who lives in the same area where you wish to purchase your home so he/she can inform you of the school locations, public transportation, security, and other details.
3. Make sure the agent is experienced.
4. Communication is important between agent and buyer, which is why it is advised that you both speak the same language.

1. Visit various web pages (www.zerro.com, www.housevalues.com, www.homeforsale.com, www.mls.com) and choose the areas that interest you.
2. Look for ads for homes in local newspapers
3. Don’t forget the old-fashioned way of looking for “For Sale” or “Open House” signs around the area.

All Real Estate agents must be licensed. The State of California provides a web page www.dre.ca.gov/through which you can verify your Real Estate agent’s license number.

Your Agent Can Help You With…

• Prequalification for a loan.
• Obtaining a letter of pre-approved credit. You must present this together with your purchase offer so the seller can verify that you have the money to purchase the home.
• Become familiar with your selected property: average square feet, verify if the home’s value is in accordance with other homes in the area, schools, public transportation, etc.
• Present your contract/offer and earnest money.
• Select a loan officer for your mortgage.
• Select the company that will inspect the property before purchasing (termites, plumbing, electricity, etc.).
• Sign the final contract and obtain keys.

Avoid Fraud

• You have the right to see the homes at no charge.
• When you buy a home, make sure that the Real Estate agent is not asking for a commission; his/her commission will be charged from the seller’s earnings.
• You have the right to obtain the lowest interest rate possible. Know your credit score and check market interest rates.
• Try to avoid excessive fees on your loans. Generally, a 1% fee is applied.
• Select an independent company to inspect the home before purchase.

Above all, hire a Real Estate agent who is trustworthy and who you feel comfortable with. The process of buying a home is difficult, so you will need a professional who you can trust.

Information provided by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) in Inland Empire, CA..