Obtain the best possible price for your home
Negotiate the most favorable terms
Secure a buyer in the shortest period of time
Relieve you of the stress and inconvenience that often occurs in selling a home
Six Critical Elements of a Sale

1. Asking Price
This is the number one factor in the sale of your home. The actual market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. Through research, your agent will assist you in determining the most appropriate sales price. Our customized sales and marketing program will then target exposure to a large segment of potential buyers.

2. Property Location
The second most important factor in the buyer’s mind is location. The proximity to area amenities and schools is typically a concern. In addition, street traffic, proximity to expressways and public transportation are considerations.

3. Property Condition
Buyers consider upkeep and cosmetic appeal as well as the structural and mechanical integrity of your home. Neutral décor, including floor and wall coverings, appliances and fixtures, offers the broadest appeal to potential buyers.

4. Market Conditions
Interest rates, competition from other properties, the economy and consumer confidence all influence the sale of your home. Each of these factors is beyond our control or your control, so we must respond to these conditions with the appropriate marketing and price considerations.

5. Contract Terms
The terms of the contract can make or break a sale. House sale contingencies, closing dates and exclusions of accessories or fixtures should always be handled clearly up front in order to avoid any confusion that could affect the sale.

6. Marketing
When marketing and advertising are done correctly, your home will sell more quickly and command a higher price. But every property is unique and the marketing plan should be designed to target those buyers most likely to want your home. Special attention should be paid to the most popular sources buyers use to find the homes they purchase.

A Buyer’s Agent represents the interests of the Buyer in a real estate transaction.
The real estate purchaser, or Buyer, is the Client of the Buyer’s Agent. The Buyer’s Agent’s duties to the Buyer are:

• Undivided Loyalty
• Obedience
• Diligence
• Disclosure
• Confidentiality
• Accountability
• Reasonable Skill & Care

All duties are fiduciary. This means that by law, these duties are owed exclusively to the Buyer — NOT the Seller.
SERVICES THE BUYER’S AGENT PROVIDES.

DURING THE SEARCH PROCESS:

Arrange property showing that meet the Buyer’s needs
Provide information about the home or property, community, schools, taxes, utilities and zoning.
Disclose any information about the property that can be obtained from any source.

DURING THE OFFERING PROCESS:

Prepare a competitive market analysis of the property for the Buyer.
Counsel the Buyer on what price to offer the Seller.
Show what other Buyers are paying for property in the area.
Assist in writing an offer with the Buyer’s interests in mind.
Negotiate the best price and terms for the Buyer.
Keep the price capabilities and objectives of the Buyer confidential, and maintain anonymity if desired.

DURING THE CLOSING PROCESS:

Assist with the loan application process.
Monitor all dates, events and requirements for the Buyer.
Attend the closing with the Buyer.

Q: What is a Seller’s Agent?

A Seller’s Agent represents the interests of the Seller in a real estate transaction.
The real estate property owner, or Seller, is the Client of the Listing, or Seller’s Agent. The Seller’s Agent’s duties to the Seller are:

• Undivided Loyalty
• Obedience
• Diligence
• Disclosure
• Confidentiality
• Accountability
• Reasonable Skill & Care

All duties are fiduciary. This means that by law, these duties are owed exclusively to the Seller — NOT the Buyer.
SERVICES THE SELLER’S AGENT PROVIDES.

DURING THE LISTING PROCESS:

Prepare competitive market analysis of the Seller’s home or property.
Develop and implement effective marketing strategies for the Seller, including asking price, staging and positioning.
Inform the Seller what prices other homes and properties have sold for in the area.

DURING THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS:

Present all offers and counsel Seller on what price to accept.
Negotiate exclusively on the Seller’s behalf.
Update the seller on market conditions.
Prepare an estimate on closing costs.

DURING THE CLOSING PROCESS:

Work closely with the Seller to assure a smooth closing.
Monitor all dates, events and requirements for the Seller.
Represent the Seller’s interest at the Buyer’s walk-through inspection.
Attend the closing with the Seller.

Through the years, Realtors have helped many people find the “perfect” house or condo that has made their dreams come true. So once you decide to buy, whether your decision is based on tax advantages, investment resources, or the need for more space, the first thing you need to do is choose a full time real estate professional who specializes in residential real estate. Choose an individual who puts service first.

Make an appointment with a Realtor for a buyer counseling session. This is a free consultation and it gives you an overview of the buying process. As a result of this session you will receive information about what a Buyer’s Agent can or cannot do for you. When you do select a Buyer’s Agent, you will sign a Buyer Agency Agreement with that agent for a specific time period. At this time you discuss your needs, wants, financial ability and motivation with your agent who will keep this information in strict confidence.

You may be wondering what a Buyer Agency Agreement is. It is a written contract with a licensed real estate agent to represent the exclusive interest of the buyer in a real estate transaction. The duties include counseling, researching and showing homes, preparing a competitive market analysis on the property and negotiating the best price and terms for the buyer. Your agent will disclose all material facts or defects of the property to you and will follow your lawful instruction. Your counseling session will help you understand all aspects of buyer agency.

As you begin this process you will need to think about what you really want. Location. Bedrooms. Baths. Master suite. Dining area. Garage. Yard. Other Features. Which feature is the most important to you?

Please remember that you should prioritize and that you might have to compromise. Most of us can’t get what we want so try to balance your emotions with fact.

As you start the actual buying process you may want to check the Internet for listings. Many prospective buyers have been doing this even before contacting an agent. The only problem with doing this is that listing information you find on the Internet is not as up to date as the information that the Realtors have. Therefore, it’s best to have a Realtor represent your interests. Your Buyer Agent will inform you of all new listings that will meet your needs from any agency. He or she will watch the market for you. You can have new listings automatically emailed to you by your agent, too. If you want to check the Internet in addition to what your agent is doing for you, I recommend checking realtor.com or checking individual company sites. There are numerous company sites to review.

In addition to searching for listings, you really need to define your needs, wants and financial ability. Your agent will guide you but will need to know why you are moving and what your time frame is. You will need mortgage pre-qualification or better yet, pre-approval. Your Buyer Agent will be better able to help you if you do this first!! Just remember that buying a home is a process of education. It’s okay to change your mind about your priorities, price, style and location. You just need to be sure to tell your Realtor.

When you have made a decision to make an offer, your Buyer Agent will prepare a comparative market analysis for you and you can then decide how much you want to pay for the home you’ve chosen. A written Offer to Purchase will be prepared which will include contingencies for financing and a satisfactory inspection report. A good faith deposit accompanies this offer. Once the offer is successfully negotiated, you will apply for your mortgage and have a building inspection paid for by you, the buyer. Building repair issues are not uncommon and often need to be negotiated. Then you will sign a formal contract after your attorney reviews the document. At this time you will also put down additional deposit money. Prior to closing you will receive formal written mortgage approval and you must make arrangement for homeowners insurance to be in place at the time of closing.

In conclusion, the best advice I can give you is to choose a full time Realtor. Choose your lender. After you are pre-approved for your mortgage, select the towns or areas you want, search the Internet to see what you can get for the money you can spend. This is a very exciting time of your life and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the home or condo you purchase.