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Choose a Real Estate Agent

Buying a property requires making many important financial decisions, understanding complex issues and completing a lot of paperwork. It helps to have an expert in your corner when undertaking such a large purchase. We can guide you through this process, and also provide you with access to property listings before they hit the general market.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your real estate professional:

  • Look for a full-time agent – one who has experience completing transactions similar to yours.
  • Interview a few agents: Are they familiar with the area in which you are interested?
  • Ask how much time the agent will have for you, and if they are available at night and on weekends.
  • Ask about their credentials and education: A good agent will continually strive to improve and gain knowledge of the latest real estate trends and hold the highest designations in their respective fields of expertise.
  • Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to buy a property.
  • Ask for a list of properties they have sold or a list of references.
  • Choose an agent who listens attentively to your needs and concerns. Pick an agent, with whom you feel comfortable.

There are countless things that a Realtor does for a buyer.  A good real estate agent will walk the client through each step of the transaction onto closing. They work with first-time buyers, investors, seasoned buyers, or anyone who needs to buy a home. Here’s an itemized list of some of the services a real estate agent does for a buyer. Keep in mind that these are the basic duties. Top-producing Realtors will go above and beyond this list of job duties.

  • Schedule Time To Meet Buyers
  • Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation
  • Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals
  • Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
  • Discuss Types of Financing
  • Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender
  • Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender
  • Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor
  • Provide Overview of Market Conditions
  • Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers
  • Discuss Earnest Money Deposits
  • Explain Home Inspection Process
  • Educate Buyers About Neighborhoods, Schools, etc.
  • Discuss Foreclosures, Short Sales, REO’s.
  • Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home
  • Explain School Zones Effect on Home Values
  • Explain Recording Devices During Showings
  • Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan
  • Create Internal File for Buyers Records
  • Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria
  • Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request
  • Schedule & Organize All Showings
  • Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing
  • Send Showing Schedule to Buyers
  • Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing
  • Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing
  • Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing
  • Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market
  • Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes
  • Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing
  • Keep Records of All Showings
  • Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback
  • Discuss Home Owner’s Associations
  • Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs
  • Confirm Water Source and Status
  • Discuss Transferable Warranties
  • Explain Property Appraisal Process
  • Discuss Multiple Offer Scenarios
  • Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare
  • Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers
  • Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly
  • Update Buyers On Any Price Drops
  • Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings
  • Find the Right Home for Buyers
  • Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
  • Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready
  • Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options
  • Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
  • Explain Home Warranty Options
  • Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter
  • Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines
  • Choose a Closing Date
  • Verify Listing Data Is Correct
  • Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value
  • Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent
  • Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent
  • Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures
  • Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
  • Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off
  • Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender
  • Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers
  • Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers
  • Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws
  • Keep Track of Copies for Office File
  • Coordinate Inspections with Buyers
  • Meet Inspector At The Property
  • Review Home Inspection with Buyers
  • Negotiate Inspection Objections
  • Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing
  • Verify any Existing Lease Agreements
  • Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status
  • Confirm Appraisal Date
  • Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
  • Coordinate Closing Times & Location
  • Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed
  • Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed
  • Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities
  • Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
  • Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing
  • Receive and Review Closing Documents
  • Review Closing Figures With Buyers
  • Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers
  • Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers
  • Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
  • Get CDA Signed By Brokerage
  • Attend Closing with Buyers
  • Provide Home Warranty Paperwork
  • Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers
  • Close Out Buyer’s File Brokerage