April 20, 2024 Suzanne Scott successfully completed all course work and tests to gain the ABR designation. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative Suzanne has extra training and resources to assist clients in the home buying process.
UNDERSTANDING BUYER REPRESENTATION
What exactly does a buyer’s representative do?
As a buyer’s representative, I advocate for your interests from the moment we start your home search until the day we reach the closing table. My duties include finding properties that match your criteria, scheduling showings, providing market analysis to ensure fair pricing, structuring attractive offers, negotiating terms on your behalf, and coordinating all aspects of the buying process, including inspections, financing, and legal paperwork.
Do I have to use a buyer’s agent to buy a house?
No. You can certainly purchase a house on your own. Buying a home is one of the most significant and complex transactions in your lifetime. When questions come up, it helps to have an experienced guide by your side. As your buyer’s agent, I’m here to protect your interests, provide you with local market insights and advice, negotiate the best price, and navigate the complexities that come with real estate transactions.
All the houses are listed online, so are you there just to “get me in the door?”
Actually, not all properties you see on the internet are available, and some available properties are not online. My access to the MLS provides the most updated information on the latest listings. As your agent, I provide far more than access to listings. I will guide you through the entire home search process, including navigating all the paperwork, coordinating with lenders, inspectors, other agents, title and escrow companies, appraisers, and other professionals. My services are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help you make a well-informed decision.
What makes you different from other buyer’s agents?
As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), I have specialized training and a proven track record of serving buyers with the highest standard of care. My unique qualifications set me apart from other agents. With extensive experience and insights in our local market, I offer a buying experience that goes beyond the norm. My dedication to client service is unparalleled, and I take pride in offering personalized guidance tailored to your goals. By choosing to work with me, you’re not just getting an agent; you’re gaining a dedicated partner in your home buying journey.
What is the advantage of working with you?
My local market expertise means I have a deep understanding of neighborhoods, property values, and hidden gems. This includes Residential, Commercial, Farms and Ranches, Riverfront, raw land for development, and investment properties. This knowledge allows me to analyze trends, compare similar properties, provide you with a curated selection of homes that meet your specific needs, and advise you on making a strong offer. My relationship with you is built on trust and a deep understanding of your goals, ensuring personalized service that goes beyond just searching the database.
How will you help me decide how much to offer for a home I want to buy?
I’ll provide a comprehensive market analysis (CMA), discuss potential scenarios, and devise a strategy that aligns with your financial comfort zone. Together, we’ll determine a competitive offer that considers current market conditions. I always advise you to honor your budget. We will discuss your budget and figure out if there is wiggle room for competitive offers prior to touring properties.
I thought working with a buyer’s agent was free!
My services as a buyer’s agent are not free. Typically, my compensation is offset by requesting the Seller compensate me. That means that the cost of my services may be included in the sales agreement that we negotiate with the Seller. If the Seller does not fully cover my fee, we have several options: you can pay the difference out of pocket, you can write your offer a bit higher than the sales price to cover the fee, or we can work out a combined approach. Typically I call the listing agent prior to showing the property to find out how much the Seller is willing to offer in compensation. I will share details on all properties that meet your criteria, regardless of cooperative compensation offers, and I will tell you if the offer does not cover my fee so you can factor that into your decisions.
How much do you charge
Is your compensation negotiable? Yes, buyer’s agent commissions are always negotiable. However, I typically charge 3%. My compensation rate is competitive and reflects the quality and breadth of knowledge and services I provide. If we decide to work together, this compensation amount will be clearly detailed in the buyer representation agreement, ensuring complete transparency and understanding of our commitment to each other.
Are there any hidden fees when working with a buyer’s agent? Transparency is key in my professional practice. While my compensation is typically covered by the Seller, we’ll discuss any potential additional costs or exceptions and agree upon them in advance, before we begin the home search. These possible exceptions will also be detailed in the buyer representation agreement.
