When buying or selling a house in Massachusetts, you will work with all sorts of interesting and talented people. Some will be extremely helpful, while others simply do their job and move on. It’s important to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what and what their roles are when buying or selling a home. Below are just a few of the important people you will work with when buying or selling a house in Massachusetts.
#1 – Your Agent
For many people, hiring an agent is an important part of the buying or selling process. Your agent will help you market, show, and stage the home. They will offer guidance and negotiation services to help you get the best price possible. They’ll be a constant source of support, answering questions and helping you through the hard parts. A great agent will build a relationship with you, helping you with all of your real estate needs today and in the future. When working with an agent to buy or sell a home, make sure to nail down their responsibilities, so you know exactly what to expect. You can ask…
- How will property showings be handled?
- What kinds of marketing are included in your fee?
- Do you have references I may reach out to?
- How long have you been in business?
- When will I be able to view properties?
- What title company do you use?
- What are your ties to the local community?
- Do you provide options other than a traditional listing?
Now keep in mind, not every real estate transaction requires the help of an agent. Buying and selling directly is another route people take, particularly investors who will see it as an opportunity to save money. If you are hiring a real estate agent in Massachusetts, make sure you have a good one!
#2 – Your Title Rep
Title companies play an instrumental role in any real estate transaction. They will do a vast amount of research on the ownership history, also called a chain of title. They are looking to ensure the title is clean and that nobody else has a claim to the home. A title agent will also confirm the accuracy of the boundary lines and the usage rights. Handling all legalities and paperwork is a big part of your title rep’s role. A big part of their job is to ensure everything is in order when you reach the closing table. They’ll issue insurance, to protect the buyer against any issues that arise once the sale is finalized. They also make sure that everything is transferred correctly from the seller to the new buyer.
#3 – The Home Inspector
A home inspector will check out the property from top to bottom, noting any problems or defects. A home inspection can be ordered after an offer is made or even beforehand. A few areas of particular interest to a home inspector include the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, the foundation, and HVAC systems. Many savvy home sellers will have an inspection done before listing their home so that they can tend to any problems and avoid surprises after their property has hit the market. A licensed home inspector is an integral part of any real estate transaction.
#4 – A Lender
Many buyers do not have the cash upfront to buy a house outright. Buyers can reach out to an abundance of lenders to get the money they need to buy a home. Investors don’t often use traditional funding, and instead will use a private lender to secure the money they need to close the deal. No matter how you choose to finance, make sure you’re working with a highly-rated lender, who can also offer you a good rate.
#5 – Mortgage Servicer
After a mortgage is opened with a lender, it is often transferred to a third company for management. This will be who the mortgage payment is sent to each month and who you will contact if you have questions about your loan.
Working With Pegasus Home Buyers
Working with Pegasus Home Buyers allows buyers and sellers a unique experience when buying or selling real estate. What makes us so different is our ability to offer multiple options to the clients we work with. We can help you find properties that are both listed and off-market. When selling a house, we can present you with a variety of options so that you can choose the one that will best help you reach your goals.
Are you thinking about buying or selling a house in Massachusetts? Pegasus Home Buyers can provide you with all of the resources and information you need. We’ll help you explore all of your options, making it easy for you to reach your real estate goals. Give us a call today to learn more about our company and what we are offering to real estate buyers and sellers in the Massachusetts area. (781) 810-4242