Hiring a Buyer’s Agent
There are multiple types of relationships one can have in real estate:
- Seller Agency - represent the seller
- Buyer Agency - represent the buyer
- Dual Agency - represent both parties
- Designated Agency - better representation
- Transaction Licensee - no representation
Hiring a Buyer agent ensures that you as the buyer have someone advocating for you, the buyer, and the BEST part is you DO NOT have to pay them a fee! The fee typically is paid for by the listing Broker.
Pre-Approvals
Your buying agent will work with you to evaluate a variety of loan programs to fit your budget. Locally, we have many financial institutions to work with and local is always better! Here are a few local options with whom we have done business:
- First Columbia Bank and Trust
- First Keystone Bank and Trust
- M&T Bank
- Service 1st Credit Union
The Search
Once the right mortgage program is selected, you need to determine your budget range. I can help you to assess your property needs, wants and wishes so that I can begin your search! I will provide you with available properties in your budget range so that you can drive by. I can also send you listings automatically by e-mail of properties that might be of interest to you. From there, you will choose those in the neighborhoods that you would like to live and I will set showing appointments at mutually acceptable times.
When you Find the Right One
I will prepare a Market Analysis. The price you pay depends on supply and demand. I will help you to prepare your offer. You concerns must be addressed in the agreement. The contract will be explained thoroughly so you understand the details. Negotiation strategies will be discussed, but you make all the decisions!
Inspections
With guidance, you will select the inspections you would like to perform as well as the inspectors themselves. I will be there to help you through the process! If there are deficiencies, you will review the report and I will help to assess your options. Negotiations may continue until all parties agree on the repair terms.
The Loan Process
The loan origination begins with the application. Your lender will inform you which financial documents to bring to the meeting and which to forward. I will be there to monitor the situation and work to resolve any problems as they arise.
The Final Phases
I will be there to make sure you meet all deadlines or that dates are extended. When final mortgage approval is received, the closing process begins. Closing is scheduled and documents are forwarded. Homeowner insurance is obtained and a pre-closing inspection is held. Most closings proceed without incident; however, I will be there or an agent from Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc. CELEBRATE!
The 21 Points of The CENTURY 21 Buyer Service Pledge
As an independently owned and operated CENTURY 21 office, we provide you with service that is professional, courteous and responsive in helping you find a property. To fulfill this commitment, we agree to provide you with the following services:
- Dedicate myself to making the process of buying your next home as easy and as successful as possible.
- Respect you, your needs and be honest and forthright.
- Hold your best interests in the highest regard throughout the process.
- Value and respect your time, being as efficient and effective as possible.
- Understand your needs and respond quickly.
- Consult with you to determine your particular real estate wants and needs.
- Use my base of experience, knowledge, tools and the most up-to-date training to best serve you.
- Explain each step of the process and act as a guide to help you make the most informed decisions.
- Disclose material facts known about the property and respond to questions concerning the property.
- Help determine your purchasing power, while explaining alternative methods of purchasing and/or financing.
- Provide and action plan for locating the right property, at the right price and terms, in an acceptable time frame.
- To the best of my ability, continuously show you new properties that fit your needs.
- Provide a Customized Home Search Plan for locating the right property for you, only showing you properties that will best meet your needs and in accordance with Fair Housing Regulations and ethical real estate practices.
- Use the most comprehensive database of listings in the area, to help you find the home that best meets your needs, whether that be the Multiple Listing Service and/or other methods.
- Provide the resources of the CENTURY21.com that offers thousands of listings, allowing you to easily review homes that are right for your, access in-depth information on neighborhoods, and additional information.
- Use my knowledge and expertise to promote the most valuable purchase on your behalf. I will assist you in evaluating the market value of properties that are of interest to you and help you obtain the most advantageous price and terms.
- Provide access to financing that meets your needs, at the lowest possible rates available to you.
- Advise and assist you in completing your purchase agreement, and present your offer with integrity in a light most favorable to your needs.
- Upon acceptance of an offer by you, pre-settlement (escrow) activities throughout the closing process will be monitored as permitted by law or local practice.
- Offer to provide you with the information of other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, inspectors, contractors) that may assist your during and after your move.
- Utilized the Century 21 System of thousands of offices to provide you with the name of an office in your new home, to assist you further.
