The first question that homebuyers usually ask is whether they should buy or rent a home. While renting a home is definitely cheaper and less labor-intensive, buying a home comes with more long-term benefits. A great way to inform a homebuyer is to put up a detailed blog post on your website about the advantages and disadvantages of buying or renting. Seeing the differences in a list, table, or infographic format can easily help them gauge where they are at and what they are ready for.

Homebuyers usually want to get an estimate of the kind of home that they can afford. A real estate professional usually works with one or more mortgage brokers that they trust. You will be able to receive an estimate of how much house you can afford by providing a few basic pieces of information. Your agent can reveal any hidden costs and fees that might arise so you can make an informed decision.

Most people need to take out a mortgage loan when purchasing a house. That said, a mortgage lender will require a down payment from potential buyers as proof of their financial capability. Real estate agents should inform buyers what the recommended amount should be — as well as the consequences of falling short. For example, putting down less than 20% means taking out private mortgage insurance, which protects lenders if the borrower defaults on their loan.

Before you start looking at homes! Many homebuyers make the mistake of obtaining a mortgage pre-approval only after they find the perfect home. Without one, home buyers will have a harder time finding a willing seller. Pre-approval is a critical step in preparing a buyer to be the best possible prospect for a seller and the pre-approval process can assist in finding areas the buyer needs to strengthen or correct.

Top real estate agents must be able to advise potential buyers on how to get the best mortgage rates. Interest rates are largely affected by credit history, so provide tips on raising this number. If a buyer qualifies for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, which has a lower down payment and credit score requirements, you should also facilitate their application. There are several steps a qualified agent can take to help a client get better rates and terms.