Showing posts with label Buyers Agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buyers Agent. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Buyer Customer vs Buyer Client Service List

What Do You Prefer? Buyer Customer vs Buyer Client

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the service levels a Real Estate Agent can provide for the buyer customer vs the buyer client? Understand what they are allowed to do for you as a customer vs as a client?


What do we mean by a customer vs a client?

When you are a customer, you are not represented by anyone when you are looking for a home to buy. No one is looking out for your best interests. For example, if any agent in my office has a listing my fiduciary duty is to the that Seller by default. If another company has a listing and I am invited to market that listing via the MLS or any other means, then my duty is to the Seller. I am bound by Real Estate Law to do everything possible to make sure that I am fair in my dealings with you, but my loyalty must lie with the Seller of the property unless I am hired by you, the Buyer, to represent you.

Lets take a look at the comparisons, Customer vs Client


Buyer Customer - No Buyer Agency Agreement Signed


In Real Estate terms I need to treat your fairly and honestly. I can give you material facts about a property and I must maintain reasonable care and diligence in my dealings with you. I must be honest with you, I cannot violate fair housing and I can answer any questions you direct to me provided they are material facts and public knowledge. I am responsible to check the accounting should you purchase the home, but my loyalties are with the Seller.

I am bound to
  • Take reasonable care and dilligence
  • Focus on the sellers needs
  • Full disclosure of all we know to the seller
  • Focus on the sellers property
  • Show in house listings before showing others
  • Lower level of responsibility to your needs
  • Discuss material facts only
  • Protect the client not the customer
  • Negotiate on behalf of the seller
  • Write a contract for the interests of the seller
  • Share all information about the buyer
  • Withhold pertinent information from a buyer like how long the property has been on the market etc
  • Not have a negotiating strategy that favors you the customer - Agent works for the Seller
  • No suggested advice about the financial way forward when offering on the property
  • No comparable CMA offered for price counselling purposes
  • Keep information about the Seller confidential
  • Focus on Selling the property
  • Focus on the Sellers negotiation and his best outcome

Buyer Client - Buyer Agency Agreement Signed with the Real Estate Professional


When you employ me as Buyer's agent and you become my buyer client, I have fiduciary and statutory duties and I am responsible to you. You have my undivided loyalty, I will give you full disclosure of everything I know about a property, the Seller and other pertinent information. I will be obedient to your needs and I will be responsible for checking the accounting for you. I will always act from a place of honesty, skill and diligence. My whole purpose is to protect your interests, find you a home that suits your needs and look after you.

I will also:
  • Obtain the Sellers property disclosure form from the listing agent and review with the Buyer client
  • Find out if there is a homeowner warranty in place and if the Seller is prepared to purchase one for the buyer as part of the contract
  • Obtain the tax assessment figures for the property
  • Find out if there are any zoning or subdivision restrictions
  • Assess the square footage of the property to see if it sounds about right and if not, query with the listing agent
  • Find out what easements, flood plains or restrictions affect the property the client is interested in
  • Check with local authority about future development/s
  • Give factual data about the area and the local schools
  • If the property is in an hoa or condo association, obtain the financial records for the Buyer to peruse
  • Make sure that the buyer gets to see new listings immediately
  • Educate the buyer in terms of price
  • Negotiate on behalf of the buyer-client
  • Provide price counselling and cma options when the buyer client finds a property he likes
  • Contract to benefit the buyer whenever possible and give advice on items that would favor the buyer client
  • Financing advice and options
  • Continued service even after the sale completes
  • Strengthen position as a buyer by getting him pre-qualified for a mortgage and ensure all paperwork is on hand to support his application
  • Share all information I know about the Seller
  • Provide material facts and professional advice
  • Protect and guide the buyer client
  • Keep buyer client infortmation private and confidential
  • Tell you all we know about the Seller and his interests in the property
  • Hold your hand throughout the transaction
  • Give advice with regards to home inspection, termite inspection etc
  • Investigate the CCR’s
  • Always look for the right property at a competitive price
  • Strengthen the buyer clients position in case of multiple offers
  • Offer protective clauses for the buyer client
  • Solve issues in favor of the buyer client wherever possible
  • Look after the Buyer Clients best interests always
  • Loyalty and obedience to the Buyer Client

 It does not matter whether you are a buyer - customer or a buyer - client, there is no extra fee for you to pay me for my services. I get paid by the Seller. With that in mind, why would you not hire a Buyers Agent to represent you? Its my duty to act on your behalf when you employ me and at no added cost to you. 

I'm Karen Browder. I pride myself in customer service. Most of my clients are repeat or referrals. I'd love to add you to my list of forever customers. Please give me a call 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com I look forward to being of assistance to you.




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Location: Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

10 Reasons Why You Need Buyers Agent Representation

As a Real Estate Agent I have heard it all - Buyers ask why do they need representation to buy a home? The buyers agent is a special person - their job is not just to find you the right home, but it is their job to make sure that you are looked after, protected and hand held throughout the real estate transaction



How do You Find a Great Buyers Agent

  • Ask your friends and family for their personal recommendations. If the buyers agent has looked after your family member and is still in touch with them long after the sale, then call their agent.
  • Interview the agent. Don't choose the first agent, choose the one you relate to the most.
  • Ask the agent for the last 10 clients references. If they have had great references from their last 10 clients - you can be sure they are doing a great job.

Before You Consider Appointing a Buyer's Agent - did you know

  • The price you pay for a property does not increased in price because you are working with an agent
  • The agent does not get paid by the buyer - the seller pays the agents fees
  • The buyers agent can protect you from unscrupulous agents, sellers and more
  • The Buyers Agent works free of charge for you and the only time he/she would get paid would be when there is a successful closing

The Buyers Agent


1. Is a good listener. Look for the right agent who listens to you and doesn't baffle you by talking too much. The good listener will be attentive to your needs. He/She may ask lots of questions, but they will listen carefully to your answers. If he/she has listened properly then you will have a partner to find your new home with ease.

2. is not just here to show you homes. The agent is your eyes and ears and will look for alarm bells in a transaction with sole reason to protect and look after your best interests

3. is a great communicator. He/She will give you feedback and thought provoking constructive conversations to help you with your home purchase decision.

4. can assist you to find great mortgage representation. He/She will have worked with a number of professionals and will be able to find you the best deal to suit your needs

5. will negotiate a sale without emotional involvement. The agent will help structure the perfect deal to suit your budget and your needs

6. will ensure the contract is written correctly and your conditions of sale are portrayed accurately and looking after your best interests.

7. is responsible for securing a list of the property disclosures and to ensure you get a copy. You will want to talk about those disclosures with an agent even before purchasing the home

8. will make sure that you engage the services of a home inspector just to be sure that the house of your dreams is not your biggest nightmare. The agent will go through the inspection report with you and help you understand the many pages of documentation.

9. will be sure that the closing is smooth and that the documentation has the i's dotted and the t's crossed

10. Will be there for you long after the sale. The agent will ask you for references and that will show that he/she has confidence in their work ethic.

My name is Karen Browder. Most of my business comes from referral business. I pride myself in being an excellent listener, a prudent business women and very client centric. I want to help you find that home. If you would like great references, I have those for you. Call me 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com - You will not be disappointed.

Davidson Listings Search

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Location: Charlotte, NC, USA

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Will I Be The Listing and The Selling Agent of Your Home?

Listing and Selling Agent, Will It Be Me?

The answer is yes, I can be the listing and selling agent, more commonly known as a dual agent - but should I be?

Listing Agent

When my firm lists for you for sale and I represent you,  I am your confidant, the one who markets your property, looks after your best interests and makes sure your home is top of mind amongst buyers agents. My marketing efforts ensure your property is found on the MLS, that agents in the area and beyond know about your listing for sale. I ensure that that other agents are noticing your listing with their clients in mind. Most often your listing is shown because I am doing my job properly. My job is to get your home shown. Once your home gets an offer, my job is to work with you and to represent you to get the best offer, with the best conditions. I am not the buyers agent unless you agree to my representing you both.

Buyers Agent

Many buyers have a buyers agent already. They may contact me off my "For Sale" board, or via my internet marketing, but very often they get to work with their own Buyers Agent.  The buyer agent's job is to report to and to be their advocate in finding out about the property, working with the available information when you are ready to make an offer and help you through the process of purchasing a home. It is not always a good idea for the buyer to be represented by the Seller agent. 

Dual Agent

A dual agent must represent buyers and sellers fairly. They are not allowed to share knowledge from either party about the other. The dual agent will be divided between parties with competing interests. You need to be really clear on what your agent needs to represent for you and what the job you require to be done. Be careful and be fully clear on this before agreeing

Designated Agency

Designated Agency comes about when a firm that you have your home listed with has a different agent in the same office who has a buyer that they represent that would like to buy your home. This is more common. You would sign a designated agency agreement with the firm where the buyers agent continues to look after their buyers interests and the listing agent looks after the Seller.

I hope this information helps you when considering selling your home of purchasing one. I am always on hand to assist you if you have any questions regarding this matter. As a real estate professional with many years experience, I would be your honored advocate working in your best interests.





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Thursday, February 5, 2015

First Time Home Buyer Opportunities

Are You a First Time Home Buyer?

Is it time for you to consider buying your first home? Is it a scary thought? Hopefully this article will give you the confidence to begin shopping as a First Time Home Buyer.

Things to Consider when Purchasing Your First Home

Working with a Realtor / Buyers Agent

It is a good idea to appoint a Buyers Agent to work for you when you are considering purchasing a home. The Buyers Agent will be the expert to guide you through the process and to look after your best interests in the negotiation. He/She would have done it all before and will make sure you are getting the best deal under the best circumstances to suit you. He/She will stand up for you, be your voice in the negotiation and will make sure that you have found the best property under the most favorable conditions and to suit your budget. Buying a home is an emotional rollercoaster and your Realtor will be your rock giving you objective advice and a knowledgeable opinion.  

Choose a neighborhood that makes you feel comfortable

Does the neighborhood reflect your own lifestyle? Have you driven around the area that you would like to live in - during the day and at night? Do the people in the neighborhood reflect your home values and your lifestyle? If you have stopped your car and chatted to a few people, taken a look at the amenities and it feels right for you, then it could be a place to consider buying your first home.

Have You Been Pre-Qualified By a Mortgage Consultant?

In order to know exactly how much money you can afford to spend on a home it would be a good idea to see a Mortgage Consultant and chat to them about your financial position. They will ask many questions, look at your income and expenditure and help you find the right amount of money to spend on your first home.  Furthermore, they will assist you with a loan pre-approval, so that you can shop for the perfect home to suit your budget and you can shop with confidence.

What size home can you afford? 

Its all good to have a figure you can buy for, you do need to feel comfortable with the mortgage repayment. Remember there will always be little things you need to do and items you want to buy for your home, so be comfortable with the budget you have set yourself and the monthly figure you need to pay on your mortgage. 

What Features in your first home are non negotiable?

Make a list of things that are non negotiable in your first home. If a shower is a must, write it down. What about a garage? Make sure the home you choose to look at has these non-negotiable items on the list before you go and view the home. 

Is there Room To Expand?

What are the goals and intention for this home? Is it in your 2 year, 5 year etc plan? Its important to equate whether you are planning on staying a long time or will you be selling it within a few years. If you are going to stay in the home for a long time, then is there room to expand and does the house have growth potential without overcapitizing on your investment. In other words, if you were to add on to the home, could you recoup your investment and more?

What Other Costs are Involved in Purchasing a Home?

Ask your Real Estate Professional and your Morgage Broker what other costs are involved in the purchase of your home. You would need closing costs, possibly a home inspection and costs relating to securing your Mortgage, however you can ask your Real Estate Agent for a comprehensive list.

Monthly Fees

If your home is in a subdivision that has a homeowners association, you will be responsible for your Home Owners Association Fee. You need to consider the property taxes and insurance on the property and of course utilities including water, refuse and electricity. You should also consider putting aside a little amount every month for maintenance for the property. 

Your First Offer To Purchase

When the time is right for your first offer, be guided by your real estate agent. You can ask your agent for the comparable properties in the area in order to assist you to give a fair offer to the seller with terms to suit you. Sometimes  you may find that the property has multiple offers and you need to get your offer in quickly and with the most beneficial terms and conditions to suit the Seller. Either way, a good Realtor will guide you every step of the way. 

Appointing an Agent

If you are looking for a knowledgeable Real Estate Agent to represent you when purchasing your first home, then lets have a chat. It is really important that you relate to the agent who is going to be looking after your best interests. 

I pride myself in my superb referral business. I have worked with the same clients and their families, friends and colleagues over the years and I get their repeat business and referrals too. There is no better compliment to me than the referral my past clients give me. It means I have done something right!

I don't just want to be your Realtor, your buyers agent. I want to be the person in the transaction who fights for you, looks after you and the same agent that you would want to tell your friends, family and colleagues that I looked after your best interest! I am in business for the long road and your home, your new beginning is my business!

I'd be honored. Call or text me on 704-534-9334 or drop me an email and lets set up that important first meeting.

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Location: Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
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