Q: Do home buyers need the help of a Buyer Representative?

A: You bet! Because when buyers work with a real estate professional who is 100% loyal and completely committed to them, chances are that the entire home-buying process will go smoothly, with a higher level of buyer satisfaction.

Q: What is a Buyer Representative?

A: A Buyer Representative works solely for you and has no legal or other responsibilities to the seller.* When working with a Buyer Representative, you have the advantage of personal representation, independent counseling, loyalty, confidentiality, and trust. On the other hand, while helping you present an offer and then negotiate and close a transaction, a general real estate agent has certain fiduciary responsibilities to the seller and agent of any property you choose.

*In a case where the property your agent is representing you to buy is also that agent’s listing, dual agency applies. Talk to your agent for more information.

Q: Can a Buyer Representative show us the same properties?

A: Yes, a Buyer Representative can show you every home listed in the REALTOR®’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS), PLUS Real Estate Owned (REO) and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. Additionally, a Buyer Representative can show you builder models to select your own, brand-new properties and unlisted homes.

Q: Will a Buyer Representative disclose more information to us?

A: Yes indeed. Because a Buyer Representative’s fiduciary responsibility is to you, he or she can be more forthcoming with any negative aspects about properties that you are investigating for purchase.

Q: Does a Buyer Representative make decisions for us?

A: No. As your personal ally, advocating your best interests, a Buyer Representative is obligated to provide you with maximum information about buying a home, each step of the way. That means disclosing specifics about location, property values, offering price, negotiations, counteroffers, contingencies, financing, and the entire closing process. Armed with such vital and detailed information, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to make decisions that are right for you and your family.

 
Q: What about negotiating the details?

A: First, a Buyer Representative is fully qualified and highly skilled in the back-and-forth negotiations and financing queries that precede the closing of most real estate transactions. Second, a Buyer Representative is also experienced and committed to helping protect your best interests in the purchase. Representing you and supporting you: That’s a powerful combination!

Q: What did you mean by “confidentiality”?

A: Since a Buyer Representative is legally obligated to only you, he or she can help you maintain absolute privacy with regard to financial and personal information.  That’s another important benefit of working with a qualified Buyer Representative.

Q: A few more questions?

A: We can give you more details and answer all of your questions. Please jot them down here, so you can come back to them.

 
Your house is being “interviewed” by the potential buyer. Use these tips to ensure that your home’s best features are displayed.

• Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight. Rooms bathed in sunlight appear bigger and make a positive impact on buyers.

• Install higher wattage light bulbs to show your property brightly—in its best light. Turn on all lights.

• Remove all “clutter” from each room. Remove things such as coats, shoes, clothing, pet toys, pet-food bowls, trash cans, toys, child-safety barriers, playpens, and the like. Keep all nonessential items off the floor so that the room doesn’t appear cluttered. Uncluttered rooms appear bigger.

• Make sure that beds are made with bedspreads smoothed out. Also, linens and curtains should be fresh and clean. Keep laundry out of sight.

• Organize closets. Remove unnecessary items and put them in storage. Large closets sell houses and a well-organized closet looks much bigger than one crammed with clutter.

• Dust and vacuum floors often. Don’t leave soiled towels lying around. Wipe showers after each use.  Re-caulk the shower or bathtub if the current caulk is not spotless.

• Create a positive mood. Turn on all lights—day or night. Open the curtains during the day. If it is cold outside, keep a comfortable level of heat. If it’s summertime, keep your property cool.

• Open doors to areas you want the buyer to see, such as walk-in closets, pantries, etc. Make sure that those areas are neat and clean. Place a subtle air freshener inside closets. Close all other closet doors and cabinets.

• Water and prune indoor plants. Less hearty ones should be kept out of sight.

• Remove excess extension cords, especially those in walkways.

• Keep pets out of the way—preferably out of the house. Ask a friend to watch your pet while the property is on the market. Some people do not like animals or their odors, and buyers may raise undue concerns about the condition of carpeting.

• Keep in mind, we have worked closely with countless buyers and know how to present your property in the best light, skillfully answering questions. Please arrange to be absent during the showing of your property. Buyers are more comfortable and candid if the owners are not present.

• If you must be present, be courteous and do not engage in conversation with the buyer. Never apologize for the condition of your property. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections about the condition of your property.

• Avoid having guests over during a showing. The buyer will feel like an intruder in your house and will hurry through the tour.

• Finally, play soft music during the showing of the property. Turn off television sets.