I love working with buyers and I understand how important it for them to make the correct decision.   This is a huge decision and comes with the added stress of "getting it right".  No buyer wants to purchase a home and a few months later find that it is just too far from the job or the house is way too small.  That is why I spend a lot of time with each buyer and treat them as if they were my only clients. 

The first visit with a buyer is a meeting to determine what the expectations are for their new home.  After the preliminary work is completed, it is time to discuss what their ideal home would look like.  I want all the details.  Anything that is important to the buyers is important to me.  If I miss something in this meeting, I will waste their time and mine. 

Some buyers will be very detailed in their "must have" list and these buyers will need help in deciding what really is a "must have" and what is a "would really like to have".   If this list is too long, the buyers will become frustrated and may pass on a home that would be a perfect fit for them.  If the list is too short, then that is when I need to ask questions to help them determine what is important but not being addressed.   If I don't spend time listening closely to their needs, I will waste their time and mine.

At this point, I like to find a few homes that will fit their needs and listen closely to their comments as we tour the homes I have chosen.  I pay close attention to the verbal and non-verbal communication between the buyers and with me.   I am fine tuning the buyers needs at this point.  I am never surprised to discover that the list changes or is added to as we tour homes at the beginning of our search.  If the list changes, I need to know why.  If I don't adjust to the new changes, I will waste their time and mine.

When we step into a home and the buyer's faces light up and the comments continue to be positive as we tour the home then I know I am on track.  It is usually at this point in our relationship that the buyers will have questions about moving forward with the offer.  How much should they offer?  How long will it take to know if the sellers accept their offer.  Who pays for the inspections.  Who will pay for repairs that will be needed?  This step is an important one in the purchase and the questions may come as they take another look at the home or over the course of several days.  I need to answer the questions to be best of my ability or I may cause these buyers to miss a home they love.  Making the buyers feel comfortable with the purchase is a huge part of my job.  I take time to explain the process, for as many times as needed, to help the buyers feel good about the offer and the time frame.  Failing to address all questions and concerns is not an option. 

Woking with buyers is rewarding and a bit like putting together a puzzle. I want them to feel good about the home they have chosen and feel comfortable that they are making the correct decision.  I want them to understand each step of the purchase.  I work closely with the loan officer, inspector and title company to make the transaction as stress free on the buyers as possible.   Being available to the excited buyers is as important to me as it is to them.  They need to know that I am taking each step with them and this purchase is at the top of my priorities. 

Handing the keys to new buyers is a happy time - for me and them.   The buyers are now new homeowners and they are excited to begin the move.  If I have exceeded their expectations as a Realtor, then I have the satisfaction of a job well done.   Then, and only then, do I feel that I have done my job.  These buyers, and all of my buyers, are special to me and deserve my special attention!