Buying or selling a home involves more than a lender and a listing. Agents, escrow and title companies, inspectors, appraisers, and property managers each play a role in how smoothly a transaction closes -- and how well a property performs after it does. This hub covers the professional services around a real estate transaction: how to evaluate a real estate agent, what escrow and title actually do, when a service is worth paying for versus handling yourself, and how to spot a provider who is working for your interests rather than their commission.
We already cover related ground in choosing an agent and evaluating a property manager -- both are a fair starting point while this hub's dedicated guides on escrow, title, inspection, and appraisal services are in progress.