You might have heard success stories of sellers who have managed to go through most of the steps successfully — without an agent — but you need to understand and remember that these stories are the exception, rather than the rule. There are many risks and pitfalls involved with going it solo and hiring an agent can help you not only avoid these but also make the entire home-selling and home-buying process while downsizing go as smoothly and stress-free as possible. “But there’s that pesky commission fee!” you might protest. While that’s true, hiring an agent can save you time, energy, stress, and even money, since professional, qualified, and experienced real estate agents know the ins and outs of the real estate market as well as the dos and don’ts of negotiating so you can get a fantastic deal on your next home — likely a much better deal than if you were going solo. They will also likely help you find that “one” home that meets all your needs and some of your wants. Ever heard the expression, "there's no problem until it becomes a problem"? Let's not find out. The other important piece to note is that many homeowners who are downsizing may have been “out of the loop” since they last searched for a home, so having a buyer’s agent work with you is truly an invaluable resource that you don’t want to take lightly. If you are selling and buying, hiring an agent who is experienced in handling both transactions simultaneously can help relieve a lot of stress. Step #4: If You Have Decided to Buy, Get Pre-qualified For a Loan This step ties into step 2. Part of knowing what you can afford and being financially prepared includes knowing whether you are pre-approved for a loan. A lot of seniors, or longtime homeowners who are nearing retirement, make the mistake of
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