As a homeowner, you want to get the most out of your investment. Whether you're planning to sell your home soon or just want to increase its value over time, there are several steps you can take to
Key Players in a Real Estate Transaction
Dated: April 20 2022
Views: 203
When you ask most people “who helps with the process of buying and selling a home?”, they will usually say a Realtor. It is true that there is usually a Realtor (or two) at the center of the process but there are a number of other specialists that play important roles in the process. This article will introduce these roles and explain what part they play:
Real Estate Agent - Commonly referred to as a Realtor (which means the agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors). Your agent should act as the project manager for the whole process, connecting you with the other professionals as needed. There are different specialities among agents including buyer agents, listing agents and full service agents. Typically, the buyer and seller will each have their own agent.
Real Estate Broker - This person provides oversight and services for real estate agents. They focus on compliance and risk management and set up and monitor the systems to help real estate agents deliver services to the client. They are commonly involved in resolving some of the more complex issues that can come up during the process.
Loan Officer - Also known as a lender, this person assists with obtaining a mortgage loan on the property. They will collect all of your financial information and figure out what kind of loan products will be suitable for your needs. They also manage the application process and take your loan through the underwriting process right through to getting it funded.
Inspectors - There are many types of inspectors including generalists and specialists. Their job is to examine properties (or parts of properties) and produce reports. For buyers, it is essential to have inspections done so that you fully know what you are buying. For sellers, it can be a good idea to have inspections done ahead of time as it gives buyers confidence in the property and helps prevent surprises during the selling process.
Appraiser - The appraiser is a neutral third party that is hired to give an expert opinion of the value of the property. Lenders require this in order to know that the home is valuable enough for them to get their money back if the borrower stops paying. Appraisers use strict criteria to produce a report that estimates the value of the property, usually based on recent sales of comparable homes.
Notary - This is a certified official that acts as an impartial witness to the signing of certain legal documents. There are mobile services meaning you do not have to appear in person and you can buy and sell real estate while out of state.
Escrow Officer - Acts as a neutral intermediary that holds funds and releases them only in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement. They also handle the preparation of other required documents for the transaction.
Title Officer - The title agent researches the history of the property being purchased and transfers the actual property ownership between the seller and the buyer.
Insurance Agent - Assists the buyer with finding, selecting and purchasing a suitable homeowners insurance policy that the lender will require to be in place at close of escrow.
Photographer - Works on behalf of the seller and listing agent to produce photography and video for marketing a home for sale. They may also use specialist equipment to produce 3D tours or drone photography.
Transaction Coordinator - Some agents use a transaction coordinator to provide administrative support with signing documents, filing documents and scheduling during the transaction.
Stager - Provides skilled assistance to sellers and listing agents with making a home look its best when marketing it for sale. They may provide furniture and decor or advise on how to make the best use of what is already there.
Contractor / Handyman - Assist with making repairs or improvements to the property before, during or after the sale.
Underwriter - Works behind the scenes for the lender to review all documentation related to the buyer and the property. They provide the approval to make the loan.
Don’t worry if that all seems overwhelming, those people are all there with the same objective, to help you successfully buy or sell a home. Your agent will be alongside you throughout the process and calling on the other specialists as required.
Nick & Brittney Allison
We are a Husband-Wife real estate team located in Chico and serving the wider Butte County area. As professional full-service Realtors, we are able to assist buyers, sellers and investors at all stage....
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