How We Work With Buyers
At our initial appointment, generally via Zoom, we will sit down for a relaxed conversation about how the whole home-buying process works and we will learn about your vision of home and what it looks and feels like. We will help address any questions or concerns you have and help you to discover what it takes to be a successful buyer in today’s competitive market. We will take notes so that we can start to help you create a detailed plan of action for finding the perfect house. Some of the topics we will discuss during that meeting include:
- A general overview of the home-buying process, including anticipated timeframes.
- Creating an efficient yet comprehensive strategy for finding the house that you will fall in love with and want to make your own.
- Money! We will discuss the various costs associated with purchasing real estate and the timeframes in which the money will be needed.
- What you need to know about financing options and mortgage qualification, and, if you need it, we will share the contact info of some amazing people that can help you get a cost-effective loan with your long-term needs in mind.
- What inspections you should consider obtaining when you find a house that interests you.
- If applicable in your price range and search areas, we will discuss the process-differences between purchasing a traditional sale versus a short sale versus an REO property (commonly referred to as a “foreclosure”).
This initial meeting generally takes approximately 90 minutes and gives us a chance to get to know one another and lays the framework for our working relationship.
After this appointment, should we decide to work together, the next step will be for us to design a fully-customized Multiple Listing search which will automatically email you listings as they come on the market and likewise keep you informed of price reductions and status changes.
In a more typical market, we would generally start the process by spending a large block of time together on our first day out, looking at 8-12 houses (depending upon size and geographic proximity), because it is the quickest, best way to help us develop a good intuitive sense about what appeals to you. In the complicated, low-inventory market that we have been experiencing for the last few years, it is much more likely that we will see houses one or two at a time as soon as possible once they come on the market.
In a more typical market, we would generally start the process by spending a large block of time together on our first day out, looking at 8-12 houses (depending upon size and geographic proximity), because it is the quickest, best way to help us develop a good intuitive sense about what appeals to you. In the complicated, low-inventory market that we have been experiencing for the last few years, it is much more likely that we will see houses one or two at a time as soon as possible once they come on the market.
Once we find a house that you love, we will help you devise a strategy for offering and negotiating. The best strategy here will depend on a large number of factors, including the current market conditions, housing inventory, days on market, pricing, the type of property, the condition of the property, the location of the property, the number of other buyers submitting offers, the seller’s situation, how much you love the property, how long you plan to own it, even who the listing agent is may have bearing upon the strategy we will recommend. We will research the house, what other homes have been on the market and have sold in the area and help you determine value. Depending on the variables, it may make sense to offer considerably more than the asking price, come in right at full price, or, in certain situations, offer lower than full price; the other terms of the contract will also vary.
Consistent, honest and professional feedback is our commitment to you and we will voice our ideas and recommendations. It is also important for you to know, however, that we will listen carefully to your ideas and opinions and that, while we will be your trusted advisors, the ultimate captain of the ship will always be you. Regardless of what you ultimately decide to do, we will be supporting you every step of the way.
Once your offer has been accepted, we will be right alongside you helping you deal with your inspections, bids for repairs, financing, securing clean title for the property you are purchasing. We will help you to handle escrows and work orders, bring you through your property for your final walkthrough, and sit next to you at your closing ready to answer your questions, bring you a cup of coffee, play with your kids so you can concentrate, whatever you need!
Once your closing is completed and you have achieved your goal, we will still be here to help you as you get adjusted to your new home. You may find previously undiscovered questions and issues that need assistance, or you might need the name of a great service provider to help you with a repair or improvement (we know some excellent, ethical and cost-effective people we will love to share with you).
We don’t have a fixed recipe for buying a home because every home and every homebuyer is different. The strategy we will employ will depend largely on your preferences, your timeline and your personal situation. We will devise a strategy that is maximally effective while non-compromising to your well-being.
One thing that is consistent with all the buyers and sellers with whom we work is our energetic involvement and our commitment to giving you the most excellent service available. You will not be our only client, but it is our desire that you feel that you are.
We hope you will feel confident and comfortable during our time together (and beyond the closing!) to use us as your friends, sounding-boards, hand-holders, counselors, prognosticators, even your personal “Spocks”. We are here to be of service!