We have a lot of custom searches set up on WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com to make your home search much easier. And if we haven't created an exact match, there are other options to let you look for homes on your own terms, save your searches and get auto-updates. All without ever having any direct contact with us if that's what you prefer.
But when you find a home (or more) that you want to see and you click the "Schedule Showing" form and send to us, honestly that's just the start of the process. You provide your contact info and the address and the preferred times you'd like to see the home, but that's just the first step in the process of scheduling a visit. We need to talk first!
First and foremost, I have to protect myself as an agent and that falls into two categories:
1. Protecting my personal safety. Did you know that being a real estate agent is actually a hazardous occupation? Some people assume we're just rolling in the money and are a perfect target for a robbery (or worse). Anyone can put anything in the contact form. Francesca might turn out to be Big Doug who was released from prison last week. So I'm looking for some confirmation that who you say you are, is actually who you REALLY are.
2. Protecting my time. We don't expect the average person to be familiar with how agents get paid, so here's the Cliff Notes version: WE ONLY GET PAID IF WE TAKE YOU ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE BUYING PROCESS AND WATCH YOU GET THE KEYS TO YOUR NEW PLACE. And that also means only one agent (or team) will get paid. If I show you a home and another agent writes the contract, I'm left holding an empty bag. So if you're working with Agent Sam and Sam heads out of town for vacation and you need someone else to show you a home, I'm NOT the person you should be calling. I'm not in the business of stealing other agent's buyers, so you need to talk to Agent Sam about having another agent pinch hit and show you what you need to see.
Now outside of that, there's a bit more conversation for us to have prior to me agreeing to set an appointment.
- This one isn't a showstopper for our first appointment, but have you met with a mortgage professional yet? It's critical that you have your financial ducks in a row as part of the home buying process. I don't want to tease you with a home that you can't buy, so clearing that hurdle is key.
- And I also want to understand your needs because there just might be something about the condo or home that would be a deal breaker for you. If you're not used to reading MLS information, you might not pick up on the fact that the condo has no garage, that the floor plan is very "apartmenty" feeling or that the home is right new to a huge water tower, busy road or retention pond. I'm here to protect your time too and I can only do that if I understand what you're looking for in your next home.
So please understand, it's not personal, but until I've had a direct chat with you, I'm NOT scheduling a showing. You should expect the same from ANY agent you contact.
Ready to talk? My cell is 513-520-5305!
Serving Warren County home buyers and sellers needs,
Bill of Liz and Bill aka BLiz
Comments(14)