“What do I do first?”
This is a common question among many others. What I like to suggest to buyers is for us to visit on the phone or set up a time to meet to discuss what the process actually is. This way I get to meet with you, get to know a little bit about you and what your needs in a home are. We will go over the process of buying a home, what buyer representation is, where to go for financing, etc. At this meeting I can give you a list of homes currently on the market along with setting you up on my automatic email notification system where new listings are emailed to you as soon as they hit the market.
“Ok, I am ready to look, now what?”
After we meet and you have given me your dream home wish list I will begin my search. I will search the entire Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find a home that meets your criteria. I have information and access to all homes listed with a Realtor. If you see a For Sale by Owner that you are interested in, just get the address and phone number for me and I will attempt to call them also.
“Who does the Broker/Realtor represent- me or the seller?”
In the past, most real estate agents worked for the seller. Today, there is a wider variety of brokerage relationships. I offer the following forms of agency:
- Owner Representative: When I become the owner's agent this is by entering into an agreement with the owner, usually through a listing agreement, or by agreeing to act as a subagent of the listing agent. I can assist you, the buyer, but do not represent you and must place the interests of the owner first. I cannot disclose to you anything the owner does not want you to know that might impact his ability to get top dollar for his property. (This does not apply to latent defects or items in need of repair, which must be disclosed by the owner.) Almost all of our listing agreements have an intermediary relationship agreement that allows agents to show "in-house" listings.
- Buyer Representative: When I become a buyer's agent this is by entering into an agreement to represent you, usually through a written buyer representation agreement. A buyer's agent can assist the owner, but must place the interests of the buyer first. The buyer’s agent will direct you to the source of information you require to make informed decisions during the buying process. The buyer agency agreement has an expiration date for our relationship and obligates you to work with your chosen agent exclusively until the agreement expires. Although commission is negotiable, most of the time it is paid by the seller.
- Intermediary: The company I work for can act as an intermediary, or transaction broker, without being an advocate for you or the seller. A written contract with you is not required, and we will not disclose to the seller that you will pay a price higher than your original offer. In addition, we cannot disclose to you that the seller will accept less than he is asking. We are required to treat each party to the transaction fairly and comply with the Texas Real Estate License Act.
- Additional Information about Brokerage Services will be presented to you at our first face to face meeting or you can click on the link below to view.
"Okay, I have found a property I love, now what?”
Once we have found the home you are ready to make an offer on I will prepare an offer for you. I use the standard promulgated forms provided by the Texas Real Estate Commission along with the appropriate specific addendums that might apply. We will discuss the forms and the content you wish to include in your offer. Once our offer is made, I will assist you in negotiating the offer, help you obtain the financing that fits you best and walk you through to closing.
"How will you help me during the closing process?"
Most closings can take place within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on financing. I will handle a lot of "behind the scenes" details, like scheduling the home and pest inspections, ordering the survey, negotiating any needed repairs, and keeping you and the seller informed of the progress. I will coordinate a closing time and date with you and the seller, provide you with local utility information, help you with homeowner's insurance, and be at the closing to make sure there are no last-minute details left unattended. My goal is to provide service that will move you!