Benefits of Using Tom and Rebecca as Buyer's Agents:

•      You avoid aggravation by telling us your needs and desires in a home and we search only for those homes.
•      You save time because we preview homes on your behalf eliminating homes we know you do not want.
•      You acquire a strong bargaining position with the seller because we pre-qualify you.
•      You save money because we comparison-shop for the best loans with different lenders.
•      You gain protection because we suggest ways to structure the offer to purchase that provide advantages to you  without harming the seller.
•      You save money because we comparison-shop closing costs with different title companies when this is indicated.
•      You save money because we educate you about the "sold" prices of home in the neighborhood you are interested in.   You use this information to provide the basis for a reasonable offer.

A large percentage of agents involved in real estate transaction represent the seller, and therefore they are required by State Law to disclose any information they learn about the buyer to the seller.  They are also obligated to obtain the seller's price for the property.

Representing the buyer, we are not required to disclose any confidential information about you such as salary, occupation, etc.  We provide you with sales history and county records as the basis for you to decide what a property is worth.
 

Representing you as a buyers agent, we will....

• Explain the various forms of financing that are possible.
• Help you get the lowest interest rate on your mortgage.
• Give you an accurate estimate of the total cash required to purchase a home.
• Show you any home available for sale, regardless of which real estate company has it listed or advertised.
• Give you facts on past appreciating rates for neighborhoods.
• Facilitate your obtaining a structural inspection of the property.
• Walk through the home with you prior to settlement.
• Attend closing with you and help explain all closing documents.
• Keep you informed along the entire way.
• Keep in touch after the sale. 

We will work for you full-time as professional buyer's agents (see next page), to help you buy the
home of your choice, using our expertise to make buying a home a smooth and pleasant experience.
 
  In helping your find a home we will:   1. Go over your home requirements, wants and special needs, location descriptions, and financial requirements.
2. Show you the area you select while locating schools, shopping areas, recreational facilities and houses of worship.
3.  Provide information on all homes available in the areas of your choice.

 

To assist you in choosing a home we will:   1. Discuss the economic benefits and drawbacks of each home in relation to your financial position and specific needs.
2. Show you the necessary information on taxes, covenants, and local laws.
3. Prepare a complete estimate of settlement costs for any home that you wish to make an offer.
  To assist you in buying a home we will:   1.  Introduce you to several financial lenders to help you obtain the best terms for the purchase of your home.
2.  Explain all financing alternatives such as Conventional loans, ARM loans, FHA loans and VA loans.
3.  Assist you in applying for a mortgage loan.
4.  Help you in negotiating the purchase of the property.
5.  Represent you in handling the inspections, contingency removals and other contractual responsiblities.
6.  Accompany you to final settlement, making sure you understand the entire settlement process.
 
  
  Eight Big Time Mistakes That cost you money when buying your home.  
 
#1 Failing to use the services of an experienced REALTOR. Many times buyers avoid using the services of a REALTOR under the mistaken belief that it costs them money - or that they will be able to negotiate a better deal directly with the seller or seller's agent. This can be an expensive mistake.

If you are negotiating directly with the seller or seller's agent, you may not be taking advantage of the best deal available in the marketplace today! You can have us working as you Buyer Broker or Purchaser's Agent - committed to using the experience gained through hundreds of successful negotiations for your benefit - at no charge to you! Your agent can be paid from the same commission that the seller's agent is paid from - by the seller.

Real Estate is a unique business, where an agent with one day's experience and no sales gets paid the same as an agent with several years experience and hundreds of successful sales. An experienced agent can help you avoid the other costly mistakes outlined here, and make your home buying experience an enjoyable, stress-free one!

#2 Not knowing for whom the agent is really working.  It is important for buyers to know and understand for whom the agent helping with the house hunting is actually working. The agent may be representing the seller's best interests, or as your agent representing your best interests during negotiations. If you are not sure who your agent is working for, ask for clarification. Your REALTOR must fully explain agency. When negotiations commence, wouldn't you want to know whether information you divulge will be used for the seller's benefit or yours?

#3 Failing to have a Comparative Market Analysis prepared before offering. Before you make an offer to purchase that special home, you must have a good idea what the market value is to ensure you do not overpay. Your agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis showing what similar homes have recently sold for, and the difference between the asking and selling prices. This is the same type of report the seller receives when deciding on an asking price. Wouldn't you like to have access to the same information as the seller?

#4 Failing to recognize different negotiating styles and strategies. Many buyers think that the way to achieve a fair purchase price is by offering low. This is the strategy of the buyer who is not in possession of all the facts essential to negotiating the best possible deal. Many times that type of strategy will polarize negotiations and lead to inflexibility on part of the seller - or worse yet - failed negotiations!

If you have chosen your REALTOR wisely, the most effective strategies for this particular situation will be revealed to you. Remember, in the real estate business, an agent with many years of experience usually costs the same as someone who is inexperienced. That experience could mean a better deal at the negotiating table with a minimum amount of hassles.

#5 Failing to have the home inspected by a competent home inspection company. Buying a home is a major purchase usually made after spending just half an hour looking at the home. Isn't it worth ensuring you will not be surprised later with deficiencies costing thousands? We can give you a list ofl reputable companies from which to choose.

#6 Not knowing and understanding your rights and obligations set out in the Offer To Purchase. It is important to understand completely the terms of the Offer to Purchase. Wrong assumptions, poorly written or missing clauses, and not understanding how the clauses affect the purchase, can lead to increased costs or a void contract. We can thoroughly explain the agreement to you and help you to fulfill your contractual obligations.

#7 Letting emotion blind reason. Buying a home is an exciting time and is usually an emotional decision. It is important that those emotions be validated by facts and reason. An experienced agent will help to remove the emotion from the negotiating process and provide you with the information you need to make the right decisions.

#8 Failing to take the steps to be financially pre-qualified, and having an interest rate guarantee before looking at homes. Knowing how much you can comfortably afford will ensure you are looking in the right price range and prevent you from buying a home that will strain you financially and emotionally. Having an interest rate guarantee will protect you in times of fluctuating rates and ensure that your initial projected payments do not suddenly escalate, resulting in extra interest charges. An experienced REALTOR can help you initiate this process and can also recommend alternative sources of financing.

Being aware of these Big Time mistakes will help ensure you receive best value for your dollar when the time comes to buy your home