Your Agent- AgenDo You REALLY Need a Buyer's Agent??
The Seller of the property you buy will most likely be represented by a listing agent who will provide expertise throughout the transaction. As a Buyer you deserve the same service by a person that owes primary loyalty to you and will work as an advocate for your best interests. According to NAR research, Buyers who work with a Buyer's Agent also find their homes quicker, while viewing more properties in their search, than Buyers who do not engage a Buyer's Agent.
My Services
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Identify your needs.
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Suggest sources of financing and other service professionals, such as inspectors and exterminators, taking more of the responsbility off of your shoulders.
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Provide accurate information on neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
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Select and arrange property showings.
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Evaluate particular properties.
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Explain forms and agreements.
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Suggest contract contingencies to protect you rather than the Seller.
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Negotiate for a favorable price and terms.
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Keep all information confidential that could weaken your bargaining position.
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Attend all inspections.
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Monitor the entire purchase process, assisting with issues that arise though closing.
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Have fun!! :-)
How is a Buyer's Agent Paid?
There are a number of ways I can be compensated. Typically, buyer's representatives are compensated from the commission the Seller's pay their listing agents, which is usually based on the selling price of the property.
10 Steps to Choosing and Purchasing Your Home
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Find a Qualified Buyer's Agent
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Asess Your Credit and Finances (Pre-qualify)
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Asses Your Wants and Needs
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Shop for a Home
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Negotiate Terms
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Obtain Mortgage
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Prepare for the Close (Transfer Ownership)
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Close
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Move
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Celebrate
Pre-qualify
Prepare for shopping by getting a pre-qualification letter by a lender or mortgage broker that states the amount of the mortgage you can afford. If paying cash for all or part of the transaction, gather copies of financial statements. This saves time, prevents potential heartache, and positions you appropriately to present an offer quickly on a hot property. A general rule of thumb:1) your max. monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28 percent of your gross (pre-tax) income; 2) your max. debt load, including your mortgage payment, should not exceed 30 percent of your gross income.
Lender/Appraiser
A bank is not just a bank. Having the right bank can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. There are many types of mortgages with various terms and down payment requirements. You can prepare by gathering your: Social Security number & birthdate info; W-2 or 1099 tax forms; Employer Lists; Account Numbers; Current Asset Lists; Value of Personal Property; Liability Info on current loans; Current and Previous Addresses.
Attorney/Closing Agency
Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues. Find a lawyer who is willing to take the time to answer your questions and who specializes in real estate law.
Home Inspector
No home inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road.
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