Here are some things you need to know before buying or selling a home.

Fiction: You should find a home before you find a real estate agent.
Fact: The first thing you should do is find a real estate agent that you can trust and who will work hard for you. They’ll have access to all the listings you see in real estate flyers and many that aren’t. They’ll help you through the process saving you time and making sure the house you find is really the best one for you. More importantly, they have an acute awareness of what’s available in the market and where the good deals are. Click Here to Find a Real Estate Agent.

Fiction: You get the best deal by buying from the Real Estate agent who is selling the house.
Fact: The agent is actually in ‘Dual Agency’, which means they will receive a commission from both you AND the seller. An agent in ‘Dual Agency’ can’t really represent you or the seller’s interests fully and you probably won’t end up saving any money.

Fiction: The paperwork real estate agents give you is just to protect the agent.
Fact: The South Dakota Real Estate Commission mandate the paperwork to protect you, the consumer.

Fiction: 'For Sale By Owner' properties are always a better deal..
Fact: Although some 'For Sale By Owner' properties are good deals most of them are trying to save themselves money not you. Make sure you get the advise of a professional real estate agent before buying or selling your home..

Fiction: It will save a lot of money if you sell the house yourself.
Fact: You may save some money but how much do you value your time. How much time will you have to market your home and will you be able to show it when buyer’s want to see it? What will you do when it’s time to sell? Will you do the paperwork yourself and possibly be liable for something you weren’t sure about, or will you hire a lawyer? What if something goes wrong? Those are questions you need to ask yourself before choosing to be your own real estate expert.

Fiction: Forclosure properties are always good deals.
Fact: Forclosure, FHA, HUD, and VA properties may be good deals and are definately worth checking out. Any real estate agent will be able to find and show these properties to you. Do not pay an internet website to have access to this information, it is probably a scam and have outdated information. Before you buy one of these properties be sure to know what you are getting into these properties are sold "As-Is" meaning not matter what comes up or is wrong with the property your stuck with it.

A real estate agent is like any other professional service, there are certainly a few disreputable agents out there, but mainly they’re there to protect your interests and be experts in the complex task of selling or buying a home. An agent’s most important assets are a good reputation and happy customers, so it’s in their best interests to find you the best home listings and get you the best deal possible. But always take the time to educate yourself before buying or selling and be sure to ask questions before signing.