How We Can Best Work Together:

It is a privilege for me to be able to assist you in one of the biggest decisions you are likelyto make. Here are some suggestions that may help you to navigate these unfamiliar waters and which I hope will enable us to work best together.

Get yourself preapproved by a lender. In today’s market, sellers are reluctant to consideroffers from buyers who may not be qualified to purchase their home. Preapproval doesn’t cost you anything and removes any doubt the seller might have about whether you can afford their home. In short, it makes your offer stronger.It is also information you will need to submit to a lender when you apply for a mortgage. If you need recommendations, I would be glad to assist you.

Once you have been preapproved, we will have a clear idea of how much home you can afford. We can then go shopping in this price range.

Next, drive around and get familiar with the area(s) you would like to live in. If you see areal estate broker’s FOR SALE sign, take down the name, number and address. I will contact the agent for you todetermine whether it is still available and, if it is, arrange for you to see it. Even if you are interested in a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property, I can still help you to see the property.

Shopping can be done in many ways. The most efficient way is for me to email you information about properties that match up to agreed upon criteria. This information can be changed at any time and can include price, location, size and many other variables — even the age and style of the home! What you willreceive with this system is the price, address, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) number, a description of the property and, if available, a photo.

The MLS is a network of real estate agents that have agreed to allow their members to sell any real estate that the network of agents has listed. In this way, buyers and sellers get exposure to the entire market, notjust an individual office’s listings. The MLS which I belong to covers 85% of the listings in the state!

When you decide you are interested in looking at a home, call me and let me know. I will then contact the agent for you to determine whether it is still available and, if it is, arrange for you to see it. While Icheck my email often, I prefer a phone call as a more immediate form of contact. In today’s hot market, good timing isoften the difference between getting and missing a desirable property. Usually, I can get you into a property faster than you can get yourself to see it. Because I belong to the MLS, I have access to agent’s direct phone numbers to expedite contact. I can also email you detailed information that might save you from wasting a trip. If you would like, I can even send directions to you via the Internet.

If you would like to preview properties, either at open houses or by appointment, and I have not called ahead to make the arrangements, it is important for you to tell the listing broker that you are working with a REALTOR® so everyone will be clear about their relationships.

I prefer to accompany you to showings and open houses for several reasons. One, it helps me get to know you and what you are looking for. Two, I can be a source of information for you after leaving a showing. Three,I am interested in the market and seek to be aware of as much property as possible. I might find the perfect home fo ryou after viewing it with another client.

If you find a home you are interested in and would like to make an offer, I will write it up for you and submit it to the listing broker. Making an offer through me will not change the amount you will pay for a property whatsoever. The listing broker has already factored in my commission to the selling price.

I will keep you fully informed about the status of your offer. Once a deal is agreed to, there are typically contingencies that need to be satisfied. A buyer may elect to have the property inspected, make his/herpurchase contingent on whether a mortgage approval is granted, etc. If you would like, I will assist you in finding a home inspector, lender and all the additional steps necessary to complete the purchase.

Types of Real Estate Agents

Typically, when shopping for a home, there are three types of real estate brokers you may encounter.They are briefly described as follows:

Seller’s Agent
When a seller engages the services of a listing broker, that seller becomes the broker’s client. This means the broker,and his/her subagents represent the seller. They owe the seller undivided loyalty, utmost care, disclosure, obedienceto lawful instruction, confidentiality and accountability.

Buyer’s Agent
When a buyer engages the services of a broker, then that buyer becomes the broker’s client. This means the broker represents the buyer. The broker owes the buyer undivided loyalty, utmost care, disclosure, obedience to lawful instruction, confidentiality and accountability.

Disclosed Dual Agent
A broker can work for both the buyer and the seller on the same property provided such broker obtains the informedconsent of both parties. The broker is then considered a disclosed dual agent. This broker owes the seller and the buyera duty to deal with them fairly and honestly.

Ethics and Fair Dealing are Vital in Our Business

Regardless of whose interests an agent represents, treating both buyers and sellers ethically andfairly is considered the cornerstone of our business. As a REALTOR®, I am bound to comply with a Code of Ethics,which requires high personal and professional standards. Adherence to the Code by REALTORS® provides important assurance of our integrity and professionalism. Because of their importance, I have included the first two articles below:

Article 1 - When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other client as an agent,REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation of absolute fidelity to the client’s interests is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligations to treatall parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity,REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.

Article 2 - REALTORS® shall avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to the property or the transaction. REALTORS® shall not, however, be obligated to discover latent defects in the property, to advise on matters outside the scope of their real estate license, or to disclose facts which are considered confidential under the scope of agency duties owed to their clients.