The 2nd in the Buyer’s Representation Series

Buyer’s Representative Service Checklist
Your buyer’s representative can help you….

1.       Identify your needs.

2.       Suggest sources of financing and other service professionals, such as inspectors and exterminators.

3.       Provide sources of accurate information on neighborhoods, schools and communities.

4.       Select and arrange property showings.

5.       Evaluate particular properties.

6.       Explain forms and agreements.

7.       Suggest contract contingencies to protect you, rather than the seller.

8.       Assist in the negotiations for a favorable price and terms.

9.       Keep all information confidential that could weaken your bargaining position.

10.   Monitor the entire purchase process, assisting with issues that arise through closing.

How is my buyer’s representative compensated?
                Many buyers wonder, “Do I pay my buyer’s representative?”  Your buyer’s representative should discuss compensation in your initial meeting, because there are a number of ways your buyer’s representative can be paid.  Typically, however, buyer’s representatives are compensated from the commission sellers’ pay their listing agents, usually based on the selling price of the property.  Some buyer’s representatives use different systems, often based on a negotiated fee for services rendered.  In most cases, prior to viewing any properties, you and your buyer’s representative should sign a written buyer representation agreement that includes terms of compensation.

What’s Next?
                Once you’ve chosen your buyer’s representative, you can chart your game plan, and the rest of the steps in the Toolkit will help you lay it out.  Maybe you have thought about things like your motivation for buying a home, how long you plan to live there, and your timeline for buying; share this information with your buyer’s representative.  The more information you supply, the better your buyer’s representative will be able to serve you.  Thousands of homes are bought and sold every day.  Is the process complicated and a bit overwhelming?  If can seem so.  But is it manageable?  Absolutely!  And preparation is the name of the game.
Call me for your FREE Toolkit or go to my website, www.CallCamdenHome.com, and e-mail me from there.  I would love to be your Buyer’s Representative!

Buyer’s Representation

Hi!  Today I thought I would start a piece on Buyer’s Representation.  The information is being taken from the Homebuyer’s Toolkit which is published by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, of which I am a member.  If you would like a free copy of this booklet please e-mail me at jtmcclintock@tds.net.  I will be doing several posts so watch for new information. 

Did you know that you can be represented as a buyer just like the seller is?  Finding an ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) Realtor can make all the difference in your buying experience.

The two most important reasons to use a buyer’s representative are protection and efficiency. 

Most likely, the seller of whatever property you buy will be represented by a listing agent who can provide expertise through the transaction.  Don’t you want the same kind of service as a buyer?  A buyer’s representative can provide you with the expertise you need through the entire transaction.

How often do you purchase real estate?  Once, twice, three times in your lifetime?  So you can hardly be expected to know all the ins and outs of such a major transaction complicated by so many details.  In most transactions, sellers are represented by a listing agent who minds these details and their client’s best interests.  As a buyer, don’t you also want complete and fair representation in your real estate transaction?  Real estate buyer’s representatives are responsible for protecting the best interests of their clients-buyers like you-and can guide you through every step of the process.  So the first step, and perhaps the most important, is finding your buyer’s representative.

What makes a Realtor an ABR?  Having the ABR designation means the Realtor has taken the Accredited Buyer’s Representative training, specialized education offered by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council.  In addition to knowing the dynamics of the local market, Realtors with the ABR designation also understand the special needs of buyers.  They have the experience to provide the service you need and will help you make informed decisions throughout the entire process that will lead to a successful home purchase.

I am an ABR Realtor and will be happy to work with you in finding your home.  You may want to go to www.CallCamdenHome.com to see the homes that are currently available.

Watch for my next post on the advantages of using a Buyer’s Representative.  Until then have a wonderfully blessed day.