WHAT IS A BUYER'S AGENT?
A SELLING AGENT?
A LISTING AGENT?

Q: What is a Buyer's Agent?
A: A Realtor who represents you and your interests EXCLUSIVELY when you are purchasing real estate.

Q: Is it necessary to have a Buyer's Agent?
A: Not unless you prefer having everyone working in the Seller's interests

Q: Can't the Seller's Agent represent me as well?
A: Yes, that's called Dual Agency, (prohibited in some states, for good reason). Caution! The Sellers and their agent have had a longer contractual relationship, so can you be sure that the Seller's Agent is going to negotiate a good deal for you?

Q: What does it cost me to have a Buyer's Agent represent me?
A: Absolutely nothing! Zero! But he/she could save you a small fortune!

Q: How does a Buyer's Agent get compensated?
A: When a seller "lists" his house (puts it on the market), he agrees to pay the listing broker a certain commission. The listing broker, will in turn, list the house in the MLS system and disclose what he/she will pay to any other broker who brings the buyer. Otherwise the listing broker keeps all of the commission if he/she finds a buyer.

Q: Do Buyer's Agents and Seller's Agents have the same qualifications and licenses?
A: Yes! They have to sit for the same examinations and continuing education classes and generally belong to the same associations.

Q: Are there any other differences?
A: Not really. Seller's Agents are typically very good at, and prefer, the marketing challenge of selling a house. Buyer's Agents are very comfortable with investigative analysis of real estate, and counseling Buyers. Many agents can do both very well.

Q: If a house catches my eye and I want to investigate further, what steps do I need to take?
A: Contact a Buyer's Agent FIRST, before contacting the Seller's Agent. This will ensure a smooth transaction for you should you decide to purchase the house.

Q: If I walk into a sales office for a new community being built, can I negotiate a discount because I don't have a Buyers' Agent?
A: No. Each builder has contracted to pay a set fee to the marketing company (sales office) on each house sold, irrespective of the number of agents involved (even if you should negotiate directly with the builder, he still has to pay the same fee to the marketing company).

What can you expect from me?

As Your Agent, I Will:

• Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
• Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to preview, to getting the best financing.
• Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.

Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:

• Check your credit rating.
• Straighten out any errors on your credit report.
• Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
• Find a loan program that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved).
• Choose a REALTOR© that you trust and who understands your needs.
• Determine what neighborhood best matches your needs.
• Identify important features you need your new home to have.

Closing Costs to Expect:

• Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
• Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites. Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
• Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
  

LEARN HOW TO MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU -