E 1 POST REGISTER Friday, January 24, 2014

Real estate advertising supplement

By Casey Archibald
carchibald@postregister.com
Editors note: This is the second
story in a series covering the
home-buying process. Each week
will cover the steps you can expect
to go through before moving day.
With so many options, it can
be difcult to choose a real estate
agent to help you buy your new
home, especially if buying a home
is something you have never done.
Tina Miller, owner and designat-
ed broker, CNE at Assist 2 Sell and
the past president for the Greater
Idaho Falls Association of Realtors
said one of the most important
things to look for in a real estate
agent is someone you feel comfort-
able with and get along with well.
I wish I could say buying a
house was easy but it isnt, said
Miller. You need to nd some-
body who will make sure your
needs are taken care of even after
buying the house. Everybody
has different personalities so nd
somebody you click with and who
ts your personality. Most REAL-
TORS are people-people which is
why we do this, but everyone is
different.
Brian Thompson, the 2014 Pres-
ident of the Greater Idaho Falls
Association of REALTORS, an
associate broker, GRI, CRS, said
there are three primary responsi-
bilities that real estate agents have
when it comes to the buyers they
are working with.
The main categories include;
nding a home, choosing a home
and buying a home.
Finding a Home
According to Thompson, agents
should discuss the buyers home
requirements with them including
the style, location and the price
of the home. Agents should also
review specic facts on nancial
alternatives to determine the price
most suited to the buyers nancial
abilities. Lastly, real estate agents
should also provide information on
all the homes available in the area
of the buyers choosing and locate
nearby schools, shopping areas,
recreational facilities and houses
of worship if desired.
Choosing a Home
Thompson explained that real
estate agents should discuss the
benets and drawbacks of each
home in relation to the buyers
specic needs. Agents also have an
obligation to obtain the necessary
written information on taxes, local
laws, and ordinances in the area.
Lastly, real estate agents should
give the buyer a complete esti-
mated settlement expense sheet
for any home on which he or she
makes an offer.
Buying a Home
Thompson said good real estate
agents should explain all the
nancing alternatives to the buyer
in order to nd the lowest-cost
nancing available on the home
that has been selected. Agents
should handle all the detail work
and negotiations, carefully explain
all written documents, and give the
buyer a copy of everything he or
she has signed. Real estate agents
should also accompany the buyer
to a nancial lender and explain
the procedure for a mortgage ap-
plication and also accompany the
buyer to the settlement, making
sure he or she understands the
entire settlement process.
Miller said she believes one of
the best qualities in a real estate
agent is good, strong work ethic.
Working with buyers takes
a lot of time, especially in an
area like this where there are a
lot of listings, said Miller. If
you arent there when the buyer
walks through the house you
dont get to see their reaction,
which is important. Real estate
agents should make themselves
available to their buyers so they
can pay attention to what they
like and what they dont like.
Thompson explained that hav-
ing good communication skills is
another sign of a good real estate
agent.
Agents really need to be
passionate about what they are
doing and not only care about their
industry in real estate but give
back to that industry by getting
involved in leadership and career
opportunities, as well as giving
back to their community in gener-
al, said Thompson.
Though there are many quali-
ties to consider when selecting a
real estate agent, there are also a
few things that are important to
remember as a buyer.
Miller warned that buyers
should be careful what they say in
front of agents who are showing
them a house and whose loyalty
lies with the seller.
If you havent signed a buyers
representation agreement with an
agent, you dont need to tell them
how much you qualify for, said
Miller. They shouldnt know
anything that would effect your
bargaining positions.
Miller also explained that many
buyers purchase a house at the top
of the range of the loan amount
that they are eligible for.
Just because you can afford a
certain amount for a loan doesnt
mean you should buy that partic-
ular house, said Miller. There
is a time and a place to buy at the
top of your range. If it is going to
be a little bit of a stretch for your
family nancially, dont do it, es-
pecially if you are only going to be
in the home for three to ve years.
Be cautious and consider expenses
that might come up in daily life.
You are going to be paying off that
house for a long time, so make
sure it is the right decision for
your family.
Thompson explained that the
most important part about choos-
ing a real estate agent is nding
someone that you connect with.
If there are several that look
the same on paper, choose the one
who you are most comfortable
with, said Thompson. They will
be in the trenches with you helping
you through this process.
Representation
Real estate
agents work out
the details for
home buyers
Finally Home! 2014 classes
First-time home buyer education
Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors
1508 Midway, Idaho Falls, ID
208.523.1477
February 17-18 July 19
March 15 August 18-19
April 21-22 September 20
May 17 October 20-21
June 23-24 November 22
Saturday Class 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Class 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
No December Class
More information is available at www.idahohousing.com
2235 Ammon Road
PRICE REDUCED!!! Over 3/4 of an acre with a lot of
possibilities. Home has 2 bedrooms on the main level, 1
bath and laundry area, plus a large covered deck off the
back. It has a sprinkler system and a large detached shop
or garage with tall ceilings and 90% concrete floor. The
basement is unfinished for the most part, It does have one
bedroom and 1/2 bath down. Property is zoned R-2 JUST
REDUCED, YOU CAN'T WAIT ON THIS!!
MLS #187541 $82,000
Jean Henninger
Associate Broker, GRI
208-243-1882
jeanh@highdesertrealtors.com
201 N Center Street, Parker
A LOVELY LITTLE HOME IN A LOVELY LITTLE TOWN
- - Nestled in the heart of the quiet village of Parker. You
have to see the unique interior to appreciate how quaint
and charming it is. Very clean and well maintained, with
an expansive floor plan that lends itself to comfortable
living. Large corner lot with mature trees and a large
well-maintained storage building that could easily be
used as a shop. Good rental history.
MLS #190001 $80,000
David Klepich
Realtor
208-221-7451
klepichd@gmail.com
805 Cleveland Street
PRICE REDUCED....
This really clean house is in impeccable condition. It has newly textured
and newly painted walls and ceilings; new windows, new electrical out-
lets and switches. The cupboards have been newly refinished. Like new
appliances included. Heavy-duty architectural grade shingles should
provide a trouble free roof for years to come. The nicely maintained yard
is large and well-fenced and boasts a convenient storage shed. The
desirable corner lot is in a nice neighborhood and close to schools and
parks. The insulated garage can double as a shop for do-it-yourselfers. It
has a beefed-up electrical system with 220 and 110 volt outlets every few
feet. The wood faced walls provide sturdy support for hanging any
shelves, hooks, or tools, etc. desired. The crawl space is roomy and pro-
vides plenty of nice additional storage space. Don't worry about fixing up
before or after you move. This house is ready now. Come and make it
your new home.
MLS #189149 $99,500
David Klepich
Realtor
208-221-7451
klepichd@gmail.com
2950 Ammon Road
Look at this one-owner Neo-Victorian charmer.
Custom-built in 1983 with quality workmanship and materials
throughout - - better than new. Spacious design allows for large
gatherings as well as cozy areas and private spaces to get
away from it all when you feel like it. Gorgeous kitchen and for-
mal dining - - the charm of fireplaces on all three levels - - large
food storage and pantry areas. The 4.61 acre lot is your own
mini-ranch. Animals allowed - - corral and RV dump on acreage.
A private spot with easy access to hospitals, schools, and city
conveniences. There are houses and houses. This one calls
out, Make me your home. Come and see!
MLS #189071 $289,000
David Klepich
Realtor
208-221-7451
klepichd@gmail.com
3247 Old Castle Circle
Custom Home in Shamrock Park! This large Cul-de-Sac lot is almost half an acre
and has huge pine trees, mature landscaping, a privacy fence and sprinklers. The
maintenance free home has new carpets and new paint. Inside youll find an entry
way with tile floors that leads to a large great room with vaulted ceilings open beams,
a warm fireplace, recessed lighting, a nice dining area w/built in buffet & French
Doors to a covered deck, a huge kitchen with tons of Oak cabinets, new counters,
Laminate flooring, a breakfast nook with a Bay Window overlooking the yard, a pan-
try, a newer Amana refrigerator, a nice oven/range, & dishwasher. The Main floor
laundry is just off of the garage. Next youll find two generous sized bedrooms with
large windows and a main bath with tile floors, tile surround, and Marble Counters &
Oak cabinets. The Master Suite with 3 windows has tons of natural light, & a walk in
closet. The Master Bath has tile floors, Marble counters and Oak cabinets. A nice
wide staircase takes you down stairs to a big Family Room with 2 egress windows, a
walk in closet and a brick hearth plumbed for another wood stove. There is a large
finished workshop w/a workbench, peg board, built in shelves, and a compressed air
line to the garage. Ductless A/C on the main floor.
MLS #189983 $159,900
Patrick Malone
Associate Broker
208-521-0441
patrick@patrickmalone.net
277 Wyatt Avenue
Brick home in a great neighborhood! This 4 bedroom 2
bath home has lots of new paint, vinyl windows, two newly
remodeled bathrooms, living room and family rooms with
fireplaces, a large open kitchen and dining area, a work-
shop and tons of storage. Outside youll find a mature
fenced yard with lots of trees, a sprinkler system, a large
covered patio, a dog run, a garden shed and a tool stor-
age room off of the attached garage. Game room could
be converted to a 5th bedroom. Energy efficient gas
forced air heat and a gas water heater. This is a great
property and is ready for a new owner!
MLS #188031 $110,000
Patrick Malone
Associate Broker
208-521-0441
patrick@patrickmalone.net