What Do I Need From My Buyer's Agent?
(And Do I Have To Pay For What I Don’t Need?) Good questions! After all, when you are considering purchasing a home you are "hiring" an agent to work for you. So what do you need? The answers may begin by comparing what an agent normally does for a buyer-client to what you may want from your agent. No, you shouldn’t have to pay for what you don’t want, but that is a discussion, or negotiation, between you and your agent, based on the services you expect. Use the check list below to analyze what you might want, then discuss it with me or your agent. Never hesitate to ask what things cost!
BUYER’S NEEDS SELF CHECK LIST (Click it to get your own copy to print or save, or just scroll down to view it now.)
Go to a Seller's Needs Self Check List
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Buyer Client Self Check List – Bob Ashauer, Your Personal Agent
When considering a home purchase, of course you should have a Realtor working for you and your interests only – a buyer agent, but every client is different. Please consider these questions and mark the boxes as to how you feel. This is not a menu of services, but simply a worksheet from which we can discuss choices I may be able to offer when we talk in person.
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Buyer Needs Analysis
Major Tasks or Services |
I have the capability, time, & desire to perform this task myself.
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I’d like this task/service in the hands of a
real estate professional. |
I’m OK with this task/service NOT being done. |
I need more information on this task before
making a
determination. |
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Buying Process Preparation and Planning.
An overview of the buying process includes a professional review of the current and future local market; understanding of representation (agency); explanation and distribution of fees, costs and rebates; preview of a purchase contact and other legal forms; meaning of disclosures; distribution of earnest money; financing options; overview of property inspections; and an overview of buyer responsibilities and risks.
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Needs And Wants Development.
Structured interviews identify and refine your decisions on what you need and want in your future home. An exploration is made of the availability and costs of your desired home search in terms of features, size, style, location, amenities, life style, condition, future value and affordability with trade-offs and comparisons to focus on an effective and efficient home search within your time frame.
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Property Research.
Selected properties that interest you are researched for additional information against your needs and wants criteria for suitability. Targeted properties and neighborhoods are researched through various data bases for listings, sales, financing and legal history. Listing agents or owners if possible are interviewed for disclosures about conditions or additional property information.
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Property Search.
Advanced professional tools and assistance will be provided for you to do effective self- searches for properties of interest with convenient interaction. A targeted professional search against your needs and wants will identify all available properties for your consideration. Realtor resources will be utilized to identify properties of interest that are not activity advertised.
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Showings.
An efficient showing schedule will be developed and accomplished to visit selected homes and neighborhoods for your consideration. Advanced preparation, appointments and mapping will be completed to allow you an unhindered opportunity to consider each home. Assistance will be provided in evaluating property conditions and features against your criteria.
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Contract (Offer) Preparation.
A buying strategy will be developed with you for the selected property that anticipates seller interests. A price analysis will be completed and market conditions reviewed. Seller disclosure forms and other pertinent date will be reviewed. Options and choices will be presented. The actual contract (offer) preparation will include a discussion of contract performance and requirements for buyer, seller and others. All legal forms will be reviewed for accuracy and assistance offered in writing an optional personal letter to the seller.
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Negotiations.
Your offer for a purchase contract will be presented, in person if possible, in a favorable light. Acceptance, rejection or counter offer documents s will be processed promptly and professionally. Negotiation assistance and advice will be provided. Any verbal negotiations or discussion with other parties will be at your specific directions. Negotiation of all contract terms and issues with all parties to protect your position will continue through closing. |
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Home Inspections.
Information on home hazards and the scope of various inspections will be discussed. Assistance will be provided to decide on possible and required inspections, choose professional inspectors, schedule and attend inspections with you. Inspection results will be discussed to prepare your formal inspection responses or reports to the buyer for resolution of negotiation. Assistance in resolution of items from appraisals, mortgage requirements and insurance coverage are part of the inspection processes.
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Escrow Tracking.
Purchase contract terms for performance from the accepted offer through closing require actions by many parties within specific time frames. Scheduling, tracking and reporting are necessary to insure contract issues are resolved in your favor. Close coordination with you and other key parties, such as your lender, the seller’s agents, the closing company, inspectors and your insurance provider are essential to your interests.
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Closing
A smooth closing at the appointed time and place within reasonable time frames requires pre-planning and preparation. Previewing with you the closing process, the title documents and HUD closing statements insures your interests will be met without surprises. A final walk thru of the property and preparation of the acceptance document allows resolution of any problems prior to closing. Attendance of all parties at the closing is necessary to insure completion
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Please contact me to arrange a free consultation of how I might help you as your buyer’s agent.
Bob Ashauer RE/MAX Alliance 618 581 1695 www.EastOfTheArch.com
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