Buying a home is a complex process, and most of it involves an area of expertise that you do not have. That’s why smart homebuyers choose their real estate agent before they begin the process.  I’ve written a few articles on how to choose your agent. Now, I’d like to focus on the different designations between agents so you can hone down your search even further.

REALTOR®
Before we get into specialized designations, it’s important to know the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent. A REALTOR® is someone who is accredited through the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Members of the NAR are real estate professionals who abide by a strict code of ethics. Additionally, REALTORS® have to pass an ethics course every four years to remain certified.

If you see that an agent has the designation of REALTOR®, that means that they have undergone additional training to become a member of the NAR and adhere to their Code of Ethics.

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)
An agent with this designation can represent buyers as a buyer’s agent. This doesn’t mean that the agent works exclusively with buyers, but may chooses to work as both a buyer’s agent and listing agent.

Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI)
Agents with this designation have completed a minimum of 90-95 hours of coursework pertaining to the state that licensed them. Subjects include law, practice, taxes, and more. Additionally, the agent retains membership in the NAR and Realtor associations on a state and local level.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
According to the NAR, a Certified Residential Specialist is the “highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers.” Simply put, a realtor who attains this designation has professional accomplishments in experience, ethics, and education.

Green Designation (GREEN)
Owning a green home has become a popular trend for environmentally-focused buyers. Agents who receive the GREEN Designation have received extensive training on green products and technologies, including Energy Star-rated windows and appliance, smart home tech, and the latest in efficient HVAC and lighting.

Certified Internet Professional (ePRO)
This NAR sponsored designation signifies an agent who knows how to leverage social media, the internet, and digital devices to their advantage.

Before you jump into any agreement with a real estate agent or REALTOR®, do your research. There are many different designations, each attached to a focused specialty that may be of personal importance during your home buying or selling process.

Source: NAR, Look for the Letters: How Real Estate Designations Help Homebuyers.

When you and your partner decide to purchase a home together, chances are slim that you’re going to see eye-to-eye on every decision. According to LendingTree.com, 60% of couples claim to disagree with one another during their house search. However, talking issues out before you start the process may help you avoid unwanted stress. Below are three of the most common arguments couples argue about during the home buying process.

How Much Debt to Take On

Before you start house-hunting, have an honest conversation about your finances and future goals with your partner. This includes the amount of debt you have in your name, your plans for paying it down, and the amount of new debt you are willing to take on. If you’re hoping to start a family soon, now’s the time to talk about it. The same goes for planned career and lifestyle changes, such as retirement or going back to school.

Style, Size, and Location

If you’re dreaming of a farmhouse in a remote part of the county while your partner is envisioning a condo in the middle of the city, then you may not see eye-to-eye while house hunting. Your budget will help narrow down your choices, but when it comes to your preferences, it’s best to hash all of that out before you go on walkthroughs.

If you’re hung up on location, ask yourself these questions: How close is the new home to our workplaces and family? Which school district would our children attend? Is there reliable internet access? If the size is of concern, ask one another if you see your family growing, taking on aging parents, or hosting large gatherings for friends and relatives.

Tackling DIY Projects

HGTV has you convinced that you can restore those tired wood floors with an open weekend and a trip to Lowe’s, but when you find yourself surrounded by sawdust and Minwax, you realize that you may have made a huge mistake.

If your partner is wary or opposed to the idea of taking on DIY projects, then arguments will certainly arise when you ask for help. Ask one another if the house is worth the time, effort, and expense of a renovation. You could also hire a contractor to give you an estimate on what it would cost to finish in the event that the projects are out of your expertise.

Source: Forbes.com, The 4 Common Arguments Couples Have During the Homebuying Process

Whether you’ve been vacationing here for years or fell in love after the first visit, making the decision to relocate to Smith Mountain Lake was perhaps one of the easier decisions you’ve ever made.

But what if you’re downsizing from a larger home? What are you supposed to do with all of your stuff? How much home do you really need?

If you’re at a loss for how to make the transition, read on for some helpful tips to prepare you for your big move.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
If the moving van is backing into your driveway and you haven’t thrown out the first item, you’ve waited too late. You’ll find yourself in your new living room, buried in a sea of boxes and oversized furniture, panicking because you’ve run out of space to think. The moment you’ve decided to downsize is the moment you need to start decluttering. Start with smaller items that you know you’ll need in your new home, like kitchenware and clothing. Leave decisions about the larger items, like furniture and electronics, until you know how much space you’re going to be dealing with.

Hire a Real Estate Agent
If you’re moving to Smith Mountain Lake, then hire a real estate agent to help you with the transition. Even if you’ve been vacationing here for years, relocating to the area permanently requires the help of an experienced local agent. They will help you determine the type of home you want, which is crucial part of downsizing.

Which leads to…

Determine How Much Home You Need
At first you were ready to downsize to a small two-bedroom condo. Then you remembered that your grandkids spend the summers with you. And that your extended family visits for the holidays. And you wanted an office so that you could finally start working on that book you started a decade ago.

Having an honest conversation with yourself and your loved ones about downsizing is an important step in the process. If you’re ready to hand the holiday responsibilities over to someone else, let them know. If your loved one wants a room to work on personal projects, then let your realtor know. If you have large breed dogs and need a yard to exercise them in, make sure you look at homes with plenty of running space.

Try Not to Bring in New Stuff
If the goal is downsizing and decluttering what you have, then bringing new items into the mix only delays your goal. Refrain from impulse purchases, like clothing, electronics, kitchenware, and décor until you’ve successfully gone through your current inventory and decluttered. Try waiting until after you’ve moved into your new home and unpacked. Chances are you’ll realize that seashell key bowl wasn’t as necessary as you thought.

If you’re ready to start looking at Smith Mountain Lake homes, contact me and together we will find the home that best suits your needs. From the initial consultation all the way through closing, I will help you with every step of the process.