What Every Buyer Should Know There are many things you need to know as a potential buyer of Santa Barbara real estate. Something most first-time buyers enjoy discovering is that they won't have to pay their agent a single dime. In almost all circumstances, the seller of a listed home will pay both the listing agent's commission and the buying agent's commission. The important thing is that you aren't paying either! That being the case, there is no reason for you to enter a purchase contract without your own representation. Having a good agent negotiating for you will save you money and keep you legally protected. Most ocean view and ocean front property in the Santa Barbara area costs well over a million dollars. Even if your agent only saves you five or ten percent more than you would have saved on your own, that could easily total one hundred thousand dollars or more. Not only that, but most real estate lawsuits involve people who didn’t use an agent. A good agent will keep you legally safe throughout the process. Taking the First Steps Today is a great time to be a buyer. Today bargain hunters are enjoying the best buyer's market since the Great Depression. Ocean front and ocean view real estate has historically been a very strong long-term investment, making this is a wonderful time to buy. With near-perfect weather and a rich culture, everybody seems to want to live in coastal California. The population of the state grows every year, but most communities like Santa Barbara are now very anti-development. This means that even through recessions and wars, the prospects of Santa Barbara real estate remain fantastic. Unless you are an all-cash buyer, the first step is to be pre-qualified by a lender before you look at properties. Interest rates remain at historical lows. Borrowing money right now is more affordable than almost any other time in our nation's history. Before any seller will take you seriously, you must get what is called a "Letter of Prequalification". I work with some of the highest-volume mortgage brokers around. If you would like to be referred to one of the top mortgage brokers in this area, simple give me a phone call or an email. What I Can Do For You Choosing a good buyer’s agent to represent you is essential. In almost all instances, a buyer’s agent will work for you free of charge, so it's highly unwise not to use one. A good agent will help you get your finances in order and will find a wonderful property that is right for you. A good agent will answer all the questions you have, send you e-mail updates on the latest matching properties, preview properties for you so you don't waste your time, and use his or her lock-box key so that you can preview vacant properties whenever you like. A good buyer’s agent is your best asset when purchasing property. There are over 25,000 real estate lawsuits per year in California alone, and a clear majority of them involve people who didn’t use a real estate agent to represent their best interests. A good buyer’s agent will find you the property you are seeking, negotiate the purchase price, protect you legally throughout the process and, best of all, his or her services are almost always free for you to use! If you are looking to purchase in the great Santa Barbara are, it would be my pleasure to speak with you. I am a high-volume agent who specializes in beach front and ocean view properties, as well as homes that are within a short walk to the sand. I often focus on distressed properties to get my buyers fantastic bargains. Before I became a Sotheby’s broker, I was a top-selling REMAX agent, and in 2007 I was the highest value REMAX agent for this whole region. Many of my sales are on properties that aren't even posted on any Multiple Listing Service. I will work hard to earn your business, and work even harder to make sure you get the property you want at the best price possible. Make it happen by taking the first step! Call or Email Me Today! Toll Free 888-284-8422, Local 805-284-8422