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Oh by the way... I'm never too busy for any of your referrals. :)

Use a Qualified REALTOR(R).

As a buyer, typically the commission paid to the agent for assisting them in the purchase process is paid from the owner or listing broker at time of closing. When representing Buyers as a Buyer Representative, I basically ask for their time and a smile. :)  *REBAC website * In most cases the Buyer Clients I assist come from repeat business or from a referral from another agent. I am a participant member of the World's Largest Coaching company for small businesses, mainly real estate and lenders,  called Club Net, by  * Buffini and Company. It is a like minded group of quality professionals who work by referral. A large percentage of my business is from referrals from fellow Club Net members from all over North America, along with Referrals from RE/MAX agents around the world. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance anywhere in the world, I would love to refer you to a qualified agent in the area that you are moving from, to the area that you are moving to.

Consult with a Professional

Ideally, a search can be set in the MLS by your agent, with details of what you prefer in a property. An initial consultation is the best way to begin your purchase process. You would probably never have surgery by a doctor that you have never met, so why work with agent without consulting with them first. Many people have a confused idea that working with multiple agents will help them view the largest inventory of properties. In actuality, one qualified professional agent can set your search or multiple searches in the Multiple Listing Service that will provide information on properties available from all MLS member listings, not just their company's listed properties. Agents also understand that a Buyer who is out running with just anyone who has a pulse will not be someone they want to invest a lot of their time in helping, when loyal customers or clients are also in need of their most precious non-renewable commodity, their time. Professional desigations / letters after someone's name mean that the agent has gone to great lenghts to take additional training to be able to offer quality services to those they are assisting. I have obtained the ABR, (Accredited Buyers Representative), CDPE, (Certified Distressed Property Expert), CRS, (Certified Residential Specialist), GRI, (Graduate of Realtors Institute), SRES, (Senior Real Estate Specialist) and TRC, (Transnational Referral Certified) designations, so the more I know, the more I can help others. :) 

Understand Short Sales and REO's

Your professional agent can explain Short Sales and REO's, Real Estate Owned, (bank owned foreclosures). There is a huge difference in both types of purchases. Have you heard the phrase "You're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy", (Wizard of Oz movie)? Well, these purchases are a new type of animal all to themselves. Patience is a great virtue to have or learn as you go in the negotiation and purchase process. There can be multiple investors that own the loan in many areas of the world that the bank, who is trying to accept your offer has to contact for approval. It is common to wait 3-6 months after the owner has signed your offer for the bank to approve of the amount. Understanding the process in advance can help keep nerves calm. There are lots of reasonably priced homes with owners selling that are not in a state of duress as well.  Contact me at your convenience and we can discuss the processes further. :)