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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding Buying a Home in today's market:

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"Do I need to pay more when working with your Team?"

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No, but you will certainly get more!  Our fees are always competitive in the marketplace and reflect our nearly 4 decades of experience in helping people to find, evaluate, and secure their next home.  We are fully dedicated to acheiving your goals in a manner that you end up 100% satisfied with the entire process and results.

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"Do I pay a fee to have a Buyer's Agent?"

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In a word, yes.  This has always been the case.  Recent developments at the National level in our industry have highlighted this point, with some misinformation or even outright incorrect reporting along the way.  The bottom line is that the overwhelming majority of homebuyers want (and need!) an experienced professional guiding them during the course of what is most likely the largest and most important financial transaction of their lives - - and they are willing to pay a reasonable fee for that representation.

 

So, what has changed most recently is not that Buyers are foregoing professional representation, nor that they are not paying their Agents for their expertise and service.  With the new industry practices and operational proceedures that are in place, what has changed is how Buyers are paying their Agents.

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Before, in practice, a Buyer Agent's fee was already predetermined and essentially 'cooked into' the price being paid for the home.  In the past, the practice was that the Listing Broker collected this fee in advance from the Seller then offered it to the Buyer Broker as an incentive to have them help to sell the home ("Bring the Buyer").  Buyer Broker fees offered by Listing Agents (and, therefore, technically by Sellers) were always negotable and never determined by law. This practice worked without issue for decades across the U.S.

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Now, under the new guidelines, Listing Brokers are not offering and advertising Buyer Broker compensation upfront, as was done before.  So now, Buyers are free (as before) to compare potential Buyer Agents and compare and negotiate associated fees.  The difference is now since Buyer Broker fees are typically not being offered upfront by Listing Agents and/or Sellers, a Buyer who wants the Seller to pay some or all of their Buyer Agent's fees must put that request into their sales contract offer to the Seller. 

 

Simply put, having a Seller pay some or all of the Buyer's Agent compensation is purely negotiable - - just like all of other elements of the Buyer's offer to purchase, i.e. - the sales price, other credits such as closing costs, inspections, timing, items that convey, etc.  Broker Fees are (and has always been) completely negotiable.​

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UPDATE:  As of August 17, 2024, New Rules prevent Listing Agents from advertising in the MLS any such 'cooperation' or sharing of professional fees between the Listing Broker and Buyer Broker.  Sellers may still elect to pay some or all of a Buyer Agent's fee when accepting a sales contract from a Buyer.

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As of August 17, 2024, Buyer Agents will be required to have a written, signed Buyer Representation Agreement BEFORE showing homes to prospective Buyers.

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The Buyer Representation Agreement must state clearly the commission or fee being earned by the Buyer's Agent and a statement that "real estate commissions are not set by law, trade association, or Multiple Listing Service and are negotiable between Buyer and Broker".

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"When should I speak with a Mortgage Lender?"

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If you will be obtaining a Mortgage Loan in order to make a purchase, the answer is NOW!  It is never too early to discuss your situation with an experienced, professional Lender who can show you your options, review the various programs and costs, and answer your questions related to Mortgage Financing.  You will be educated and prepared!

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They will provide you with a Pre-Approval Letter, also known as a "Lender's Letter".  This information can be updated over time as need, but it reflects a 'snapshot' of your ability as a potential Buyer.​​​​

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"Does signing a Buyer Agency Agreement obligate me in any way to buy a home or pay a penalty if I don't buy a home?"

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No.  If our efforts are unsuccessful or your situation changes and you end up not buying a home, there is no penalty and no termination fee or other cost to you. 

 

You are never forced to purchase a home.

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If, however, we are successful in finding you a home, then the Buyer Agency Agreement protects your rights as a consumer and allows us to act as your Agent to promote and protect your best interests.

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Remember, we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so you know that from the beginning, and all the way through to closing, we are working hard to ensure your complete satisfaction!

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"What are the advantages to me in working with your Team?"

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Our experience..."We have done this before!" 

 

Also, our Team Members' cumulative skill, experience, and know-how in successfully representing Buyers is of benefit to ALL of our Team's clients!

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We share ideas, strategies, experiences, contract knowledge, issue resolution, best practices, professional resources, tactics, and client support with each other for the benefit of all of our Buyer clients.

 

No single agent can do that!

 

Also, since our Team has developed the necessary administrative  systems, transaction checklists, and 'behind the scenes support, you can rest assured that all of the details will be handled and that your designated Agent is freed-up to focus the majority of his or her time and energy on YOU!

 

Simply stated, a Team will always out-perform and out-service       an Individual.  Our Team has handled hundreds of successful Buyer and Seller transactions - - we know this business inside and out! 

 

Let our shared skill, experience, expertise, knowledge, and resources work for you!

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