Why Work With A Buyer's Agent
.jpg)
96 Things I Do For My Homebuyers
(It's a lot more than just opening doors!)
Before we start looking at properties together:
1. I'll explain the required Buyer Agency Agreement and make sure you understand our working relationship, including how I get paid.
2. We'll both sign the Agreement, which is now necessary before we can tour even one home together.
3. I'll explain the Realtor Code of Ethics, and my brokerage’s business policies, as well as Federal and State Fair Housing laws.
4. I'll be committed to keeping your personal information completely confidential.
5. I will thoroughly explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing.
6. We will review a sample sales contract so that you are comfortable and prepared when it comes time to make an offer.
It's all about YOU:
7. I'll work to learn all about your wants and non-negotiable needs.
8. I'll understand your budget and let you know what will be needed financially.
9. Before we even look at homes online, we will both understand what property your chosen budget will buy.
10. We'll take the time to fill out a homebuyer’s checklist so we're absolutely on the same page.
11. I will introduce you to a qualified and experienced lender for your situation.
How's the market?
12. I will explain the local real estate market and how it will impact you as a homebuyer.
13. I'll pull current statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currently receiving.
14. I will share info with you regarding what home features are popular and how much value they might add.
15. We will look at the current average days on market in the areas that you are interested in.
16. We'll talk about various ways of determining fair vale, including using the price per square foot vs. other strategies.
17. I will explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process.
18. And, we will look at the current listing months of market inventory to determine availability and urgency.
Let's do the math
19. Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
20. Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
21. Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
22. Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
23. Prepare lender for listing agent calls
24. Assist in comparing different financing options
25. Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
26. I will work in tandem with your lender throughout your transaction
Now the fun part...looking at homes!
27. We'll work together to locate suitable properties to tour.
28. I will set you up on an automated home search that will send you listings that match your parameters as soon as they hit the market.
29. I might preview properties to save you time, and of course we'll see homes together as well.
30. I will coordinate with listing agents to schedule showings at times convenient to you if possible, and as soon as they become available in their local MLS broker marketplaces.
31. We will constantly re-evaluate your needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs..
32. I will make sure you know about available resources that you can use to learn more about prospective neighborhoods.
33. We will view all the homes that you want to see that might fit your needs.
36. I'll collaborate with you on properties you may have learned about through your own networks.
37. I will research and assist on all unlisted properties you would like to see.
38. I will network with agents I know as well as my brokerage to source properties not yet in the MLS.
39. I will even contact homeowners in your favorite areas to see if they are considering selling!
Narrowing it down and finding the one
40. I will be happy to arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest.
41. I'll provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services, schools, etc.
42. I commit to telling you about any negative aspects including nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value.
43. I will collect and share any other vital information on available homes following all fair housing laws at all times.
44. I will check and verify applicable zoning and building restrictions.
45. I'll help you decipher public property and tax information.
46. In accordance with state law, I will provide information on checking the sex-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood.
47. I will collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
48. If necessary, I will explain flood insurance and how it might impact your monthly costs.
49. I will explain title insurance and related costs.
50. And of course, I will be happy to refer a qualified insurance broker if needed.
51. We will compare each property we see to your wants and needs list and I'll remind you what you were looking for.
52. I'll help you narrow your search until you find the one!
When it's time to write an offer
53. My goal will be to assist you in getting the best property for you at the best price.
54. I'll help you learn more about the neighborhood prior to making an offer.
55. I will prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance so that we can make sure your offer makes sense, value-wise.
56. I will prepare you to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace - which can look very different in every scenario.
57. I'll explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses as well as dates and deadlines to remove those contingencies on both sides of the transaction in the purchase offer.
58. We will thoroughly examine all state and federally required disclosure forms to ensure that you understand what you are signing as a buyer.
59. We will determine and agree on our contract negotiation goals.
60. I will explain strategies such as an escalation clause, appraisal gap or limited inspection objection to create a competitive offer
61. Then, we will create a negotiating strategy.
62. I might also recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them.
63. I'll make sure that you are clear on what might happen in a multiple offer situation.
64. Then, I'll write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted.
65. I will research and provide information on any purchasing incentives that may be available.
66. We might also loop your lender in at this point to discuss financing alternatives.
67. I will work tirelessly and efficiently to negotiate the offer to arrive at the best price and terms.
68. I will do this utilizing hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist you in being the successful offer if at all possible!
Getting to the closing table
69. I will fiercely advocate for you throughout the entire process.
70. I will facilitate delivery of your earnest monies to the agreed upon title company, where it will be held until closing and then applied to your cash owed amount.
71. I'll make sure that you receive any due diligence documents in a timely manner.
72. I will explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures and HOA documents.
73. I'll always disclose all known material defects.
74. I will facilitate and attend your home's general inspection with you.
75. I will also assist with coordinating other inspections that we decide are necessary, for example: structural, environmental, roofing, radon, asbestos and mold.
76. We will review and discuss any and all home inspection concerns using the report provided by the inspector.
77. Then, I will prepare an Inspection Objection form for all repair requests and negotiate with the Sellers to come to agreement on an Inspection Resolution or credit in lieu of repairs.
78. I will make sure that appraisal is scheduled and performed on time, and assist you in questioning the appraisal report if it affects your financing.
79. I'll request and carefully review your title insurance commitment with you.
80. I will order any surveys that might be needed or that you are contractually obligated to have performed.
81. I will make sure that we do not miss any contract deadline in order to keep the transaction moving forward and to protect your earnest money, which becomes non-refundable once all contingencies are removed.
82. I will request final closing figures from the title company and carefully review them to ensure accuracy.
83. Once we have received your final settlement statement, we will review it together and your lender will approve it as well.
84. Then, I will confirm clear to close with the lender and the title company.
Clear to close!
85. I'll make sure you know which utilities you'll need to transfer to your new residence.
86. I can also recommend moving companies who have a great reputation to help with your move.
87. I'll schedule a final walkthrough and go with you for a final check of the property to make sure everything looks the way it should before signing.
88. I will remind you to re-key your locks and to schedule a move-in cleaning service and/or landscaping service before moving day.
89. We will go over wire fraud risks and I'll remind you of the proper procedure to verify all wiring instructions before transferring funds.
90. I will ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
91. I'll remind you of the location where the closing will be held, what you should bring with you and what time we'll get started.
92. I will again confirm the closing date and time with the title company, and notify parties if there are changes.
93. I'll attend your entire closing with you, and will check all documents for accuracy and agreed upon terms before you sign them.
94. I will also double-check all tax, homeowners’ association dues, utility, and applicable prorations, if relevant.
95. I will work with your lender and the title company to confirm the status of the loan funding.
96. And then...I will of course help you CELEBRATE!