Regular readers of this column no doubt have figured that I think fit's a
good idea to utilize the skills of a real estate professional for any real
estate transactions. That's not because I'm a real estate agent groupie or
that I make big bucks by pimping clients for realtors My own experience in
these matters says it's really just common sense.
Researching real estate issues for this column has driven that point home
to me. Every week I manage to talk to a few realtors or agents and I'm often
daunted by the amount of things I know so little about. Sometimes I'll leave
a session with someone and find my head swimming with numbers, unfamiliar
terms and a sense of urgent fear. Think about that: I'm having these
kinds of reactions and I'm not even in the market to buy or sell a home.
This column is intended to help you understand many of the basic issues
surrounding real estate. To achieve that, I often rely on the same sources
of information that you'll eventually have to rely on when you enter the
fray yourself. And one of the primary sources of information today is the
Internet or World Wide Web.
If you decide to use the Internet to ferret out information, keep in mind
that (at least for now) it is a resource that is self-regulated. Knowing
that, you'll understand that information can be cursory, out-of-date,
erroneous, misleading or incomplete. Keep in mind, too. that information
available on the web - even information placed by real estate professionals
- may not apply to your particular town, state or situation.
Does this mean that I think all information on the web is suspect? Well,
practically speaking, yes. Information found on the Internet should be used
as a starting point - it's not necessarily complete or factual. just imagine
the pickle you'd find yourself in if the documents you retrieve, based on an
article you read on the web, turned out to be relative only to the state of
Missouri.
I'm not implying that you don't have the smarts to figure this all out
for yourself. I am saying that real estate laws are apt to change suddenly
and that the professionals who make a living buying and selling homes are
likely to know when that happens. It's their job; it's what people pay them
to do; and they might even know before some website you stumble across
reports it.
The good news is that there are more venues on the Internet than before
where you can find reliable information. Whether you're in D.C., Maryland or
Virginia, many government agencies and real estate companies have websites.
Once upon a time you had to phone or write these folks to request
information. Today, with the Internet, you can find an endless supply of
helpful information including answers to frequently asked questions,
informational brochures, and handy phone numbers.
In fact, there are even websites where you can determine your credit
scores, get preapproval on loans, find out whether your eligible for a loan
in a matter of hours, and tour houses and apartments without leaving your
living room.
Repeating what I said earlier, I believe this information should be used
as a tool to assist you in working with your realtor Viewing homes online
can assist you in determining what you want in your own home. Seeing
properties before you and your agent drive over to them may wind up saving
you both energy and time.
