As you’ve probably read in the news, recent litigation against the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has effected some changes in the way real estate agents and brokers do business. As a buyer, the chief way this affects you is that you are likely to be asked to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement for the agent you’re working with. This not only puts you into a contract with the agent, it ensures the agent gets a specific commission as negotiated between you and them. In some cases, this may mean some or all of their commission may be your responsibility. So why is it worth choosing and signing a contract with a buyer’s agent?

Buying real estate is likely to be one of the most significant financial transactions of your lifetime, so you deserve an expert advisor to guide you through the process and protect your interests. Here are just five reasons why working with us as a buyer’s agent is worth it:

1. LOCAL EXPERTISE AND BUYER INSIGHTS: Our deep understanding of the local market and knowledge based on many years of experience can assure you stay ahead of, and not behind, the real estate market.
   

2. ACCURATE PROPERTY VALUATION: As an expert in property valuation, we can advise on what a reasonable price is for a property based on real-time market conditions. regardless of the list price, and offer effective strategies that help you secure your dream home.
   

3. EXPERT CONTRACT NEGOTIATION: We work to negotiate key contract terms, safeguard your interests, and minimize your risk. As Realtors®, we have a fiduciary responsibility to you, and your interests always come before ours or anyone else’s.
   

4. PROBLEM RESOLUTION: We navigate unexpected challenges, from financing hiccups to closing delays, with confidence and professional ease.
   

5. CLOSING ASSISTANCE & BEYOND: We guide you through the closing process to ensure all terms are accounted for at closing. And, we’re available to advise you on all things real estate-related forever forward.

Not convinced? Let’s break it down a little more. Here are 50 things that will occur during the buying process that you’d have to deal with yourself without a buyer’s agent. We will:

1. Meet for a buyer consultation.

2. Align on the best communication plan throughout the entire process.

3. Encourage you to reach out to a lender for pre-approval and provide recommended lenders (at least 3) if requested.

4. Collect market data and recent comparables in neighborhoods you’re interested in.

5. We will complete a buyer questionnaire to understand your needs and objectives.

6. If necessary, I will research off-market opportunities for you to find additional suitable inventory.

7. Create a ‘Collection’ so you’re aware of listings that fit your criteria.

8. Select properties to show you based on your criteria.

9. Pull market trend data to understand what’s happening within the broader region.

10. Coordinate showing appointments to gain access to desired listings.

11. Learn relevant details and attributes of the properties shown, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and acreage.

12. Attend broker tours to view other available properties on the market.

13. Stay connected to local buyers, sellers, and other agents to maintain a constant view of what drives the market.

14. Reach out to agents with similar listings to understand traffic and buyer demand.

15. Provide objective advice and help you evaluate the pros and cons of different properties.

16. Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

17. Understand the property's current condition for negotiation purposes with the assistance of experts.

18. Advise you on potential offer strategies that reflect current market conditions.

19. Help you determine where to obtain HOA documents if needed.

20. Review all transaction documents with you in advance of writing any offer.

21. Review the disclosure package.

22. Coordinate additional access to the property, if necessary.

23. Assist in scheduling a meeting with your experts about desired improvements, including landscaping, painting, fixture updates, minor and major renovations, etc, if applicable.

24. If requested, recommend at least three vendors with the needed expertise to assist you on your specific request.

25. Maintain consistent communication to provide market updates.

26. Monitor any changes in the market to refine offer strategy and make needed updates (revising price, terms, etc.) accordingly.

27. Explain the offer process, timeline, and recommended preparation.

28. Align on offer strategy and prepare the offer on your behalf.

29. Notify the listing agent you are submitting an offer.

30. Advise and strategize with you on counteroffer response.

31. Negotiate terms as needed with the listing broker and seller in writing

32. Notify you when terms are agreed upon.

33. Assist with the review of the final contract, disclosures, pre-qualification letter, and wiring instructions, if applicable.

34. Coordinate the signing of the final agreement.

35. Facilitate deposit of earnest money and down payments.

36. Create and execute closing timeline and transaction review.

37. Stay in close contact with all relevant parties through the next steps.

38. Share the estimated timeline and all documents with the client and Attorney(s), if applicable.

39. Coordinate and confirm inspection, and assist with negotiations post-inspection, if applicable.

40. Coordinate and confirm that the appraisal has been received.

41. Confirm loan approval has been received.

42. Coordinate final walk-through and address issues that may arise by communicating with the seller's agent.

43. Remind you to order home warranty (if applicable).

44. Remind you to order homeowners insurance and set up utilities.

45. Request final closing figures from the closing agent (attorney or title company).

46. Advise you to carefully review closing figures with the settlement service provider.

47. Facilitate closing for you and the seller.

48. Confirm recording of deed, if applicable.

49. Transfer of keys and property access.

50. Welcome you to your new home!

Sounds like a lot, right? It is, but our goal is to make it seem easy by ensuring all steps of the buying process go smoothly so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. Let us help you buy. We’ll make it worth your while.