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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding Buying a Home in today's market:
"Do I need to pay more when working with your Team?"
No, but you will certainly get more! In fact, whether you are buying or selling a home, our Team Members collaborate and share ideas, insights, and experience within our Team and with numerous other Top Teams and Agents to ensure the very best outcome for ALL of our valued Buyer and Seller Clients!
"Do I pay a fee to have a Buyer's Agent?"
Yes, but historically you did not pay us directly to represent you. For decades, our firm's service fee was built into the price that you were paying for the home as it was paid by the Listing Company that represents the Seller at closing in lieu of you paying us directly. Your obligation to pay would be satisfied by this 'sharing' of the total commission that the Seller paid to their own Listing Agent that was then shared with our firm acting as your Exclusive Buyer's Agent, thereby relieving you of you paying us directly.
Over the years, savvy Sellers learned that it actually benefits them to have their own Listing Agent offer this shared fee approach to Buyer Agents as it attracts more Buyer Agents working with qualified potential Buyers to show and sell their home.
So, the bottom line is that you received full representation from us as your Exclusive Buyer's Agent while your obligation to pay our fee was typically covered by agreement with the Listing Agent's firm and paid on your behalf by the Seller at time of Settlement..
UPDATE: As of August 17, 2024, New Rules prevent Listing Agents from advertising in the MLS any such 'cooperation' or sharing of professional fees between the Listing Broker and Buyer Broker. Sellers may still elect to pay some or all of a Buyer Agent's fee when accepting a sales contract from a Buyer.
As of August 17, 2024, Buyer Agents will be required to have a written, signed Buyer Representation Agreement BEFORE showing homes to prospective Buyers.
The Buyer Representation Agreement must state clearly the commission or fee being earned by the Buyer's Agent and a statement that real estate commissions are not set by law, trade association, or Multiple Listing Service and are negotiable between Buyer and Broker.
"When should I speak with a Mortgage Lender?"
If you will be obtaining a Mortgage Loan in order to make a purchase, the answer is NOW! It is never too early to discuss your situation with an experienced, professional Lender who can show you your options, review the various programs and costs, and answer your questions related to Mortgage Financing. You will be educated and prepared!
They will provide you with a Pre-Approval Letter, also known as a "Lender's Letter". This information can be updated over time as need, but it reflects a 'snapshot' of your ability as a potential Buyer.
"Does signing a Buyer Agency Agreement obligate me in any way to buy a home or pay a penalty if I don't buy a home?"
No. If our efforts are unsuccessful or your situation changes and you end up not buying a home, there is no penalty and no termination fee or other cost to you.
You are never forced to purchase a home.
If, however, we are successful in finding you a home, then the Buyer Agency Agreement protects your rights as a consumer and allows us to act as your Agent to promote and protect your best interests.
Remember, we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so you know that from the beginning, and all the way through to closing, we are working hard to ensure your complete satisfaction!
"What are the advantages to me in working with your Team?"
Our experience..."We have done this before!"
Also, our Team Members' cumulative skill, experience, and know-how in successfully representing Buyers is of benefit to ALL of our Team's clients!
We share ideas, strategies, experiences, contract knowledge, issue resolution, best practices, professional resources, tactics, and client support with each other for the benefit of all of our Buyer clients.
No single agent can do that!
Also, since our Team has developed the necessary administrative systems, transaction checklists, and 'behind the scenes support, you can rest assured that all of the details will be handled and that your designated Agent is freed-up to focus the majority of his or her time and energy on YOU!
Simply stated, a Team will always out-perform and out-service an Individual. Our Team has handled hundreds of successful Buyer and Seller transactions - - we know this business inside and out!
Let our shared skill, experience, expertise, knowledge, and resources work for you!
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