Real Estate - The Easy Way

If you are like most people, the thought of buying or selling a house is both an exciting and intimidating event. It is exciting to get a different house that offers amenities your old residence did not, but the uncertainty surrounding the process is of concern as well. There are many unfamiliar tasks that must be done: contracts, inspections, mortgage financing, etc. This website has been designed to provide you with information on a wide range of real estate related topics.

Buyer's Agent - Have a free agent that looks out for you - not the seller.

Search For a Home -  Check out thousands of homes currently listed for sale.

Mortgage Information - Get pre-qualified, apply on-line, get educated.

How To Buy a Home - For people that want a home, but are unsure what to do.

Property Inspections - Learn about what to look for when buying a home.

Financial Safety Tips - Ways to keep from getting taken advantage of.

Selling a Home? - Things to consider when selling your home.

My Profile - A bit about my background & experience. Link to Images From Iraq.

There are additional pages that cover all kinds of topics that buyers and sellers are interested in. Though the information contained in this site is very comprehensive, learning about such an all-encompassing project in a short time can be quite difficult. Many buyers and sellers find that though they are familiar with real estate topics, they still must rely on the expertise of real estate professionals for assistance. As with hiring any professional, you need to ensure you are getting two important features: quality and economy.

QUALITY:
As for quality, I offer over 20 years of experience in the real estate field. I have operated as a sales agent, investor, remodeler/builder, and loan originator. With this combination, I know how to write the right terms in a contract whether you are a buyer or a seller. When looking at a potential home, my extensive work in the building and remodeling arena comes into play when helping a buyer determine the condition of the property. My loan origination background helps guide buyers in the right direction when they are seeking financing. And as an investor, I have been involved in over 100 real estate deals as a principal, so I definitely know how it feels to buy or sell a home.

ECONOMY FOR BUYERS:
If you are buying a home, the economic decision is easy: I never charge buyers a fee to represent them. Buyers need representation when purchasing any listed real estate, and the listing agent by law only represents the sellers interest in a deal. In order to get proper representation to ensure your interests are looked after, you need the free services of a Buyer's Agent - my particular specialty. Spend the few moments it takes to read the page "Free Buyer's Assistance"; your time will be very well spent.

ECONOMY FOR SELLERS:
If you are selling your home, then consider enlisting my services as a discount agent. Contrary to what the high priced real estate companies claim, you can still get first class service without having to agree to outlandish sales commissions. I charge 4.9% to list a home. If I find the buyer rather than have another agent procure the buyer via the MLS, then I charge only 2.5%. You get all of the same services offered by the full priced agents, the yard sign, flyers, lockbox, advertising, and MLS exposure, but you don't pay the higher fees. If you are not fully familiar with how the MLS operates, you need to spend a moment and get educated on the "What is the MLS?" page. The brief read will tell you volumes about how the real estate industry operates, and why using high commission agents is a waste of money.

A Word On Availability:
When you are buying or selling a home, you need someone that is available to answer your questions as much as possible.  I operate at all hours, and I truly make myself available in the evenings and weekends in addition to the normal work day.  Such odd hours are a part of the business, and it is never a bother to discuss business concerns with a client anytime they should arise.  Some clients may feel odd calling at late hours, or might feel they are a pest for calling often with questions they might consider to be silly.  However, simply put, that is what I do for a living.  I answer questions, I address issues, and I handle business when it is convenient for the client.  You have your job and family routine to abide by, so I fully understand the necessity to tend to other business during the evening or weekends.  I don't like to have clients worrying all night about issues that I might be able to help them resolve, so I don't mind the late calls.  And since one of my biggest enjoyments is working with first-time buyers, I expect them to call with the type of odd questions that novice home buyers will have.  So, if being able to freely contact an agent is important to you, then we will get along just fine: it's how I work. 

The Next Move Is Yours........
Take a tour through this website, and you will become much better informed about the procedures involved in buying or selling a home.  You can also link to information regarding mortgage financing, and become well educated on that point as well.  You can also simply contact me by phone or email whenever you have questions or actually want to get the ball rolling.  It is my goal to let you proceed at a pace that is comfortable to you, and I can move you along as slow or as quickly as you like.  I am ready when you are - The next move is yours!

About This Website:
You can tour areas that pertain to different real estate topics, look at thousands of homes listed for sale, get mortgage information, and even take a visual trip through Iraq!  Not many agents can offer you all of that, especially the last part.  If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know: I am always seeking to improve the  site and your comments help.

If you have any questions at all about the buying or selling process, or about any matter covered in this web site, you can reach me by cell at 770-310-0827, the office at 770-425-3325, or send me email at Doug@DouglasRSmith.com.