I can write all day about first time home buyers and repeat home buyers in my neck of the woods in Michigan (Macomb County) but I really wanted to write today about the intangibles that a buyers agent brings to you, the consumer, when purchasing a home.
When I represent you as a buyers agent I take on the responsibility to care about you and your home purchase from start to finish. You come first. It's that simple. I do not represent the sellers, their agent, the home inspector, the lender or anyone else who is a party to the transaction. I represent you.
Here are some of the things that I do to look out for you:
Keep in touch with your lender. Continually. You will always know what is going on with your financing.
"Flag areas" of interest to you. When a home comes on the market you'll be the first to know about it. Likewise, if a home has a price reduction, you will know about it.
Discover the history of the homes for sale that you are interested in. Is the home currently in foreclosure? How many price reductions has the home had? Are their currently liens on the home? Knowing as much as I can about a home you are interested in helps us tremendously in the negotiation process and in other areas.
Accompanying you: I will be there with you for your home inspection standing out of the way to allow your inspector to go over the home with you. I will also be there with you for the final walkthrough of your new home prior to closing. Do you want to go back through the home to measure wall space for furniture or windows for shades? I'll make the appointment and gladly take you through as many times as you need.
Mandatory repairs will oftentimes be needed if you are purchasing with a FHA or VA mortgage. I've been representing buyers for years and am informed about FHA guidelines. I keep an eye out for those things that I am fairly confident that FHA or VA will cite as a no-go. So many homes on the market today are bank owned and as such, you will be responsible for repairs to the homes. I will advise you throughout the process so that you are not surprised by anything that happens.
Accurate tax information: There is much online now from the various cities and township assessors offices however I go one step further to ensure that you are receiving accurate property tax information. I go to the offices of the assessor and verify the amount with them. I don't like surprises when it comes to this information and I'm sure you won't either.
Back to the city offices: If your work schedule does not permit you to visit the assessors office after closing to turn in the property transfer & homestead forms I will do that for you. You will receive a copy from me hand delivered after I have done so for your records.
This list is not all inclusive. Each person, each transaction is different. There are many more intangible ways that a buyers agent can help you and be of value to you. A good buyers agent is a partner to you throughout the home purchase process.
Interview and choose a buyers agent to work for you.
Macomb County MI homes for sale
REALTOR® , RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.- Chesterfield MI -586-840-1876 (direct line) Serving home buyers and home sellers in Macomb County MI. Conveniently located near SANG. http://macombhomes.com
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Good job, Kris. I know you got have gone on and one ,but this hits the high points. I know you are the best for McComb County and I would not hesitate to refer you to clients moving your direction.
Missy: Thanks. That means alot coming from you. Good luck at Inman!
Kris In this market consumers need a buyers agent so much more than they ever did. Great post!
Kris, I wish that we had more good agents like you here in my neck of the woods... I really like reading material from good agents. Keep it up...
Nannette: Thank you. I agree - in this market it is even more imperative. There are so many different facets to the transactions that a buyers agent is needed to decipher it all for the best interest of the client.
Michael: I will, and thank you :-)
Kris, very good description of buyers agency, If only most buyers knew what it really was to have a good buyers agent Realtor, they wouldn't hesitate to sign up.
I love how you spell out everything we do. Sometimes people don't appreciate everything.
I love how you spell out everything we do. Sometimes people don't appreciate everything.
Gail: I think any form is scary for a consumer, let alone a buyers agency form. Hopefully as we promote the advantages more and more it will become easier for a home buyer to understand our value. Thanks Gail.
Judy: I could have gone on and on, but each person is different as is each transaction. One day maybe I'll make more detailed notes of what it is I do..until then the shorter version is here :-)
Kris it is always good to have someone on your site and if buying in your area I would highly recommend you!
Your friend in Charlottesville!
Kris, you are definitely the go to person if I ever have someone moving to Macomb! I wouldn't miss one minute of sleep knowing you were taking good care of them!
Kris, this list of intangibles has a lot of dollars attached to it. That's the Value of good agent. Many of the items you mention will COST a buyer money if they are not handled correctly. Buying an over-priced home because you don't know the history COSTS money. Not having the correct tax information can be a COSTLY post-closing discovery. What strikes me as I read your list is the SAVINGS that accure to buyers who hire the services of a good real estate agent like yourself.
Kris, I am surprised at the number of agents who don't do a lot of this stuff! And yeah! When someone I know moves to your part of the world, I would recommend you without reservation!
Charles: Nice to see you :-) Hope all is well in Charlottesville!
Linda: ..as I would with you. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.
Lola: Thank you. There is a marked savings for consumers to have a buyers agent in their corner. There are so many things that can come up during a transaction that could cost them hard earned money if they are not aware and careful.
Patricia: You're one of the gals that I have on my "bucket list" to meet :-) Thank you.
Kris great information. Any potential client reading this and needing a buyers agent in Macomb county would be stupid to not call you
Jeff: Fortunately, there are many wonderful buyers agents in our area. I do however like it when they call me :-)
Nice to see this blog here. I am new to this blog, I gather alot of information form here. I want to know more about this blog.
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