I have two buyer closings and a listing closing in the last two weeks of October and I can tell you that the difference between the skills needed to work with buyers versus sellers is almost night and day. If there's a common thread, it's that I share the emotion of missed opportunities or longer time on markets with you, just as I feel similar highs when your offer gets accepted or you get that great offer that enables you to sell your home and move on to your next home adventure. In this blog, I'll focus on what I bring to the table when working with Buyers.
With Buyers
Most of our TIME is going to be spend "finding". Obviously, what's new on mls? What's been sitting for a while or has taken a recent price reduction? What's available pre-market through my own broker network? How quickly can we get in to take a look at the truly nice homes that will be competitive in bidding? That's always where the most time is spent. But sometimes, it's longer than it needs to be because buyers often don't REALLY agree on what they want, or where. The longer I'm in this business, the more I focus on getting the what and where figured out early, so that your search can be efficient and productive.
When you find "the one", it's offer time. I think every agent has their own bias about how they handle offers, and my bias is to help you, the buyer, understand how to make the best offer possible. That always means an offer that eliminates the most risk for the seller while allowing you to feel as comfortable as you can with the price and terms in your deal.
Before we even start writing an offer, I reach out to the listing agent. I want to build some rapport with them so they know if the seller picks our offer, they're going to be working with an agent who will do everything possible to see the deal through to closing. Then, understanding what the seller wants. Earnest money conditions, close date, competitive standing with any other offers. My favorite question is, "Is there a number that gets this deal done"? You never know what agents will tell you, so I always ask. And then I let the listing agent know we'll be writing an offer and when to expect it.
Your offer was accepted? Hooray! Now, there's an inspection.
As a Buyer rep, I want you to focus on inspection items that matter and not get derailed by the fact that every home has some wrinkles - even new builds. When there are major items, we'll negotiate and get the deal done to your satisfaction. Or, we'll pass on it if the items are just too overwhelming. Yes, I'm there with you through that process.
And, as I mentioned before, there are the emotions that come with every home buying journey. For you, the Buyer, this is a brand new, very expensive, fearful-from-lacking-information process and I'm there to help you through it; to guide you through all those things you're not sure about or wish you knew more about.
Refine, search, offer, close ... with expert advice all along the way.
If you're ready to sell, or know someone who is, let's talk!
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