 | Ralph Cramm
is a partner in Ks. Real Estate Development, Inc., and Home Vestors, Inc., two companies dealing with the procurement, remodeling and marketing of housing in the Greater Wichita Area. Ralph began his career with the Wichita Beacon in 1947 in promotion, and retail and classified advertising. In 1960 he accepted a sales and management position with KLEO Radio. In 1964 he joined Great Empire Broadcasting (local stations KFDI AM & FM) as an account executive and outdoor editor, a position he held until he retired in 1994. Ralph can be contacted at home at 316-531-2693, or at his office at 316-8937. |
Real Estate
2003-07-01 13:54:00
Must I have an agent?
: We are looking to buy a home. Thus far it has been quite an experience. Do you have to have an agent to buy a home? If you do not have an agent, where do find the homes?
Ralph Cramm
Question: We are looking to buy a home. Thus far it has been quite an experience. Do you have to have an agent to buy a home? If you do not have an agent, where do find the homes? Answer: Many people think they have to have an agent to buy a home, however that it not true. We will make the assumption that the 'mission' is to find the house you want, at the lowest possible price, with all of the paperwork, inspections, etc. handled in a fashion that will not make for any problems in the future. One good way to accomplish this is by looking to the many 'For Sale By Owner' (FSBO) homes in the market, as well as homes that are owned by companies and individuals who repair them and sell them, many times below the appraised value. Lenders are eager to finance these homes because they are one of the safest investments they can make. Both the lender and the borrower see equity in the home more quickly. If you are not comfortable with the aspect of inspecting a home prior to purchase, there are companies that will do that for you and advise you if there are any problems with the home and those items in need of repair (i.e. roof, floor, foundation, basement, etc.). This way when you do purchase the home you can be confident in your choice. After two tumultuous years of stocks, these types of homes, and real estate in general, particularly in Wichita, are looking better and better to investors. The return has proven considerably better than returns on money markets, stocks, bonds, etc. If this is your first home, I'm sure you will experience what my wife and I felt when we bought our first home. It was our home. We could do anything we wanted to improve the home without having to ask for permission from anyone. It is one of the greatest feelings you will ever have.
