Selecting the Right Agent There are several kinds of agents and brokers you may run into during your search for a home: an exclusive buyer's agent, buyer's agent, seller's agent, dual agent, facilitator, non-agent, and discount broker. If you don't want to use a dual agent (that is, an agent who represents the buyer and seller in the same transaction) opt for an exclusive buyer's agent. A buyer's agent who is not exclusive may accept listings. If the same agent represents both sides, he or she is a dual agent. At that point, the agent can give his or her loyalty to either side. That's why some dual agents prefer to call themselves facilitators or non-agents. Discount brokers (whether offline or online) will be of some help, but you're expected to do much of the work on your own. If you're willing to do the work, you'll save a few thousand dollars on your home purchase. If you're unsure whether your agent represents your interests, ask. Most states require a broker or agent to disclose its agency relationship with you. Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily. see more>>		Buying a Fixer-Upper Why do people buy fixer-uppers? They're looking for a real estate investment: Buy a home that needs work, throw some time and money into it, and then sell it for a profit. Jim Sulski overviews the pros and cons. It's easy to dream. It's a lot tougher to make real-life decisions based on what you have to spend and what's on the market. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the New Homeowner's Handbook will provide you with information to help you figure out what kind of home is really right for you and make your dreams a reality. Determining Future Costs: Maintenance and Upkeep Figuring Out Where You'll Be in Five to Seven Years Identifying Priorities For The House Hunt Becoming Selective When Purchasing A Home How Much Can You Afford? Hunting for a home can quickly become confusing and frustrating. Should you use an agent or house-hunt on your own? How can you choose the right neighborhood? In this section, Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style will help you find information that can help you get moving in the right direction. Matching Your Wants and Needs to What's on the Market Working With A Buyer's Agent Choosing the Right Neighborhood How to Prepare for the House Hunt Finding the Right Agent or Broker Should You Do It Yourself or Find an Agent? Developing "Vision" If you're looking for the perfect home, forget it. Every house, including one that's just been totally renovated or newly built, will need a dose of TLC as time goes on. If you're willing to live with and correct these imperfections, you may be able to create real value that translates into a nice profit when it comes time to sell. Jim Sulski, real estate development and home improvement contributor for numerous publications including the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and Consumer's Digest offers some guidelines. Buying a Fixer-Upper A Multi-Family Building Buying a Gut-Job Needed Renovations and the Purchase Price Copyright © 2008 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.