So, you're thinking about buying a house?

So, you're thinking about buying a house? It's not an easy process, to say the least. It is, however, one of the most exciting times in our lives. With home prices low and interest rates even lower, it's no wonder so many people are chosing to take action now.

Remember: buying real estate is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. So heed this advice: align yourself with top notch professionals to guide you along the way. Do not put yourself or your family in a position you will regret. Get referrals before making a decision, and do NOT pick the cheapest option simply because it's the cheapest option. Sometimes the best person is the least expensive, but do not pick a professional simply because of their price tag.

In this order, these are the following Professionals you will need along the way.

1. A Fantastic Realtor

Often, your Realtor ends up being your information source for other trusted professionals like the ones that follow. A great Realtor can help you find everything from the right house to the perfect moving company. **Tip: look up the difference between Realtor and "real estate agent".

2. A Trustworthy Mortgage Lender

A great lender will be able to provide excellent customer service (ie, return phone calls), give honest answers, and refer you to someone else when he knows he doesn't have the right options for you. A trustworthy lender will disclose that rates fluctuate, but he will tell you today's rates. He will also keep you within budget. **Tip: Even when you have a low down payment, chose 15 or 30 year FIXED RATE mortgages.

3. A Hardworking Real Estate Attorney

There's no shortage of attorneys in Athens that are willing to conduct your closing. Ask your Realtor who they work with and who they recommend. There is always a reason. Things can go wrong when buying a house, so it definitely helps to have an attorney willing to take action rather than take what I like to call "the back seat approach". **Tip: If your Realtor does a decent amount of business every year, they know who to work with. Trust them.

4. A Licensed Property Inspector

Do yourself a huge favor: do NOT let a family member's inspection of your house be the only inspection you do. Property Inspections start at around $300. I promise you, it will be the BEST $300 you will ever spend. A professional PI will send you an enormous report (about 40+ pages) in PDF form reviewing any and all systems of the house. **Tip: Do not forgo a property inspection. Period.

5. A Reputable Pest Control Company

My own father bought a home recently where a local pest control company was hired by the seller of the house - needless to say, they had a clear termite letter (let's just clarify this was out of state and I was not his Realtor ;-)). My father then took a trip up a few days before closing to do a walk-through of the house. He found an active termite infestation. If he had not been so diligent and known what to look for, he may have been stuck with the cost of treatment and repair. The lesson? Hire a reputable company that is local and has been long established. **Tip: Even if the seller has already inspected the property, get your own inspection - a termite inspection is FREE!

So there you have it, a list of professionals you will need when buying a house in Athens.

During the process you may find yourself needing more professionals like a mold specialist, a roofing specialist, a plumber, or more. With the guidelines above (and a fantastic Realtor) you won't have any trouble finding the right folks to help you in the process.

Good luck, and happy house hunting!

"Everything we touch, Turns to SOLD!"

Brittany Purcell | Associate Broker | Certified Short Sale Specialist | Athens, Jefferson, Commerce, Watkinsville, GA Real Estate | www.BrittanySells.com | 770-713-4278

Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens | 706-316-2900