Buying a Home: What your Buyer’s Agent can do for You
vbproperties • July 29, 2021
Purchasing a home is one of most major financial decisions you will ever make. It is also more complex than many buyers realize. That’s why it’s essential to find a trusted agent to help you manage the process. I can be your trusted agent. Here is how I help you:
Help Arrange Financing
- Assi st in Locating sources of mortgage loans. I have a few mortgage companies I work closely with and can get them in contact with you to start the pre-approval process.
- Help you examine how much you can afford and how much you want to spend. I will not let you overpay for a house and do the research to ensure the price you are offering is fair.
- Assist in comparing different financing options. I have a basic understanding of the different types of loans available and can help guide you to the best option for your needs.
- Educate and discuss the differences between being prequalified and preapproved for a mortgage.
Assist in Finding the Right Property
- Identify your needs and wants in a property.
- Find appropriate available properties.
- Set up an automated email alert system that notifies you of properties that fit your requirements. You will receive an email from me with properties that meet your needs, typically on a daily basis. I can always adjust the search parameters if needed.
- Provide access to all MLS-listed properties.
- Network with other agents for properties not yet in the MLS.
- Aid in narrowing your search until you have identified your top choices.
- Assist in analyzing the pros and cons of each property.
- Disclose all known material defects. This is typically done through a seller’s disclosure that they have filled out to the best of their knowledge. However, if I learn anything new or different I would inform you right away.
- Assist you in evaluating properties for suitability, affordability, and resale value.
Educate You on Market Conditions
- Educate you on whether it is a buyer’s or seller’s market. Right now we are in a seller’s market but there is also a shift happening at this time and it appears, for the moment, that things are stabilizing. Since the market is cyclical this could change again in the future.
- Show trends, current average days on market, current absorption rate, and/or current months of inventory. Right now we are at about a 1 month supply of homes (absorption rate). This is up from about a 2 week supply earlier this year.
Guide you Through Making an Offer and Represent you and your Interests in Negotiations
- Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) so that you can make an informed and fair decision when offering a price. Remember when I said I won’t let you overpay for a house? This is how I help you make a reasonable offer.
- Advise you on what comparable properties are selling for.
- Explain common contract contingencies and how they affect you and the deal.
- Obtain appropriate seller disclosures and documents.
- Prioritize your goals. I give you the next steps without overwhelming you so you know what has to happen next.
- Ensure that you receive and understand all state and federally required disclosure forms and educate you on the contents of the sales contract. I will explain the main parts of the contract to you and answer any questions you may have. Please keep in mind that I am not an attorney so I cannot answer legal questions.
- Ensure that all appropriate additional forms are completed and signed. We sign many things electronically.
- Write and present your offer.
- Assist you in getting the best property at the best price with the least amount of inconvenience based on current market conditions.
- Prepare you for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiating strategies specific to multiple offers, if needed.
Get you to Closing and Serve as your Trusted Real Estate Resource
- Recommend inspectors, lenders, attorneys and other professionals as necessary. Again, I am a wealth of resources when it comes to real estate.
- Review and discuss home inspection concerns. This is usually the first big hump after we have a signed contract and I am here to advise you about the home inspection report. If we need to, I will also request and negotiate seller repairs on your behalf.
- Monitor and communicate required contract deadlines to ensure that you meet them.
- Assist in coordinating communications between the listing agent, lender, attorneys, title company, appraiser and other professionals. For the most part, you should mainly be communicating with me and your lender.
- Accompany you on the walkthrough prior to closing to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you entered into the contract.
- Be an advocate and advisor during the closing process. From the start of the contract till we sign on the dotted line at closing, I am here for you every step of the way with my advice and expertise.
- Remain a lifelong trusted advisor regarding real estate questions, needs or concerns.
There is no reason for you to go it alone. I always try to absorb the brunt of any conflicts and snags that may happen along the way to ensure as smooth a transaction as possible. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designee, I have the knowledge and skills to advocate for you and guide you through the buying process. I’d love to work with you to make your homeownership dreams a reality!
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