Obtaining a real estate listing is a great way to research properties before actually contacting a real estate agent and going to look them over. The pressure some may feel when working with a real estate agent can be lessened if the real estate listings are downloaded off the internet or purchased through a third party. It is not necessary to purchase a real estate listing however. Many banks, credit unions and real estate agencies offer listings for free of properties that have been foreclosed on.
Advantages of using a real estate listing first
Obtaining and reading a real estate listing before you look at any of the properties that you may be interested in can have its advantages. Ideally a listing will have a photo of the property as well as any pertinent information about the property. You will know ahead of time what features and amenities the property has. Other pertinent information will include the asking price, which usually can be negotiated even on a property that has been foreclosed on. The lot features such as lot size, sewer and utilities should be listed as well as building interior and exterior features. If appliances are going to stay they will be listed as well. Finally, if the school district is important to you look for that information on the listing. Obtaining the real estate listing ahead of time will save time when you are looking at the property because you will not need to ask if the appliances stay, what type of heating system the home has or even if there is a security system in place. Knowing this information ahead of time can also allow you to inspect each item carefully if you think this is the property for you. Homes that have been foreclosed on will not have a tenant or homeowner there so the real estate listing will be your main source of information. Looking at the listings ahead of time will help you eliminate the homes you are not interested in or that are out of your price range.
Viewing the properties
Once you have narrowed the list down by looking through the real estate listings you obtained then contact a realtor that specializes in the type of properties you are seeking. If you want to look strictly at properties that have been foreclosed on seek a realtor that knows about selling this type of property. Take the real estate listing with you so you can jot notes down about each property as you go. If you wait until you get home, pertinent information may be forgotten. Ask the realtor you are working with about financing if you need to obtain some. Getting pre-qualified can really help with the home buying process and insure when the right property comes along you do not miss out while waiting for financial approval.
Each state has their own requirements for obtaining a real estate license. Before applying to become a real estate agent it is imperative that the licensing requirements are checked into, a school is chosen, the requirements are met and the real estate license is obtained. Additionally there is a state licensing exam that must be passed periodically to keep your real estate license endorsement. Once you have obtained your real estate license it is imperative that you continue to learn by taking continuing education courses, attend seminars and read books that deal with subjects such as foreclosures.
Advantages of real estate seminars
A real estate training seminar that deals specifically with foreclosures can give a real estate agent a real advantage over their competitors. These training seminars offer information on the pitfalls to avoid, hidden costs, creative financial strategies as well as current foreclosure listings that the real estate agent can take back to the office. This information can be invaluable to real estate agents current clients who are looking to purchase foreclosures as well as potential new clients. Some seminars will direct real estate agents who want additional information to their books or advise them to take a course where they can get more in depth information. Continuing education is important for all real estate agents. Many states require a certain number of college level classes to keep a real estate license. Ask in advance if the seminar you are considering can help you achieve this goal.
Other ways to learn
If attending a seminar is out of the question or the seminar hours will not apply to your real estate license requirements there are books as well as foreclosure courses that real estate agents can take. Some of these books and courses work hand in hand with the seminars and some are stand alone courses and books. Some real estate training courses can be taken online although most of them meet in person once or twice a week. When looking at courses use your own judgment and ask, just as with the seminars, if the hours you spend studying will go towards the state requirements for keeping your real estate license. Other real estate agents in your area who deal with foreclosures may be willing to guide you to the right information and courses. Remember that you need solid information and not the next get rich quick scheme. Your clients are counting on you to be knowledgeable and informed enough to pass along information that will help them make the best decisions possible.
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