buyers: To Work With a Buyer's Agent, or Not to Work With a Buyer's Agent? - 01/22/13 09:09 AM
Are you planning on buying a home and not sure how to go about it? Should you work with a buyer's agent, or just call the listing agents for the homes you want to see directly? Especially if you've never bought a home before, this can be a confusing decision!
As a buyer's agent myself, I believe strongly in the benefits of having someone to represent you in the purchase of your home. In that vein, here's a list to help you make that decision:
 
17 Things a Buyer's Agent Can Do For Their Buyers That a Listing Agent CAN'T
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buyers: Can't Qualify for a Mortgage? Here are Some Other Options. - 11/01/12 12:17 AM
It's a difficult economy. I frequently meet wonderful people who are eager to own their own homes but, for whatever reason, are not in the right place financially yet. Often, it's because their credit was dinged in years past and they can't yet qualify for a mortgage.
If you're in that situation, what are some options to put you on the road to home ownership?
 
First-Time Home Buyer Programs. If you've never owned a home or it's been a number of years since you did, you may qualify to participate in one of these programs. You contribute a certain dollar … (0 comments)

buyers: Why it Pays to Have a Buyer Agency Relationship! - 10/26/12 08:10 AM
In a previous post, I answered the question, "But, Why Should I Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement?" As promised, I'm now going to highlight some benefits a buyer receives by becoming a Buyer's Agent's client.
Many people don't realize that, according to New York State law, if you don't have a buyer agency relationship with an agent, he or she automatically works for the seller. Even if you call an agent to show you a listing that's not theirs, unless it's specifically discussed that you'd like to work with them as a Buyer's Agent, you're still only considered their customer, not their client. They can … (0 comments)

buyers: But, Why Should I Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement? - 10/25/12 02:42 AM
Imagine this scenario:
You're a first-time home buyer. You've been speaking on the phone to a real estate agent, and you set up a time to meet at her office for a buyer consultation. You gather up the printouts of the homes you've been browsing online and drive to the office. The agent greets you in the waiting area with a warm smile and a handshake and leads you to a conference room. She tells you about the home buying process and how she does business, and you discuss what you're looking for in a home.
So far so good, right? Then, … (5 comments)