NC)—There are plenty of resources online to help you in your search for a new home. However, you may want to go further to find a resource that can save you time, money and help to protect your investment. “The services of a trusted real estate professional can increase your satisfaction with the process of buying a home in a number of important ways,” says Penny Egan, a legal consultant with Royal LePage Canada. Egan offers these insights:

There's the Internet, then there is the “pipeline.” While a quick search on the Internet is a great place to start, you will still want the inside track. A real estate professional will enhance your property search with a “pipeline” of properties, often, even before they are listed.

Opt for the guided tour. When you tour a landmark or attraction your experience is enriched when you have someone who is familiar with the location to guide you. As a community expert, your “real estate guide” can provide insights on historical market values, culture and attractions, as well as local resources pertaining to your interests and needs.

A single point of contact. A real estate professional will help you to determine how much house you can afford, alert you to potential risks, help you find resources and negotiate the offer. Often, a seemingly simple transaction can grow legally complex and risky. Again, this is where the “pipeline” comes in, as your agent can help you to locate trusted legal counsel, home inspection services, surveyors and lenders.

Negotiating: A real estateprofessional can help you objectively consider the offer you plan to put forth. They can recognize the various strategies of a selling agent, which may serve to drive up a price. Or, provide insights that can help you to submit a competitive offer on a home you don't want to lose.

If you are about to begin the process of buying a home, you may find comfort in having a professional on your side. More information can be found at www.royallepage.ca.