Buyer's Tips

Why use a Buyer's Agent?

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it is prudent to seek the professional assistance of a buyer's agent.

A buyer's agent represents the buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction. The buyer's agent works for, and owes fiduciary responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and has buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate process. As your buyer's agent, I will:

Evaluate your specific needs and wants and locate properties that fit those specifications.
Provide objective information about each property. Since I work for you, I will work to identify any defects or potential issues with the subject property. Due diligence assistance is a critical part of my assistance to you during the purchasing process. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
Provide market specific data and information. Real estate is an inherently local business requiring specific knowledge related to the particular market you are interested in. Buying mountain or lakefront property has particular nuances (surveys, slopes, septic permitting, etc.) that an experienced agent can help you navigate to avoid pitfalls.
Assist and accompany you in viewing properties and/or preview the properties on your behalf to insure that your specifications are met.
Advise you on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.
Present the offer to the seller's agent and the seller on your behalf.
Negotiate on your behalf to help obtain the identified property -- keeping your best interests in mind. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. I can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
Assist in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.
Provide a list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. movers, attorneys, carpenters, etc.) if these services are needed.
Guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.