The new breed of buyers are looking on all of the websites, from Realtor.com to Trulia and Zillow, and even local company MLS feeds. Most buyers believe that they can find a home on their own and they only need an agent to open the door. There is just so much information available to the public...But your agent is so much more than a keyholder!
I have always told my buyers that my job starts once the offer is accepted. All the fun parts of looking for a home happen before the offer is presented and agreed upon. After the offer is signed, the agent earns their keep. There are many things that need to happen in order to deliver the keys the day of the closing.
So what is your agent doing behind the scenes between accepted contract to the closing table?
1. Communicating with the other agent. Weekly, sometimes daily, especially during the inspection period.
2. Submitting all of your confidential information to the closing company so that they can start the abstracting and lien search.
3. Assisting the buyer with inspections and remedy requests. As your agent, I will be able to recommend which repairs should be completed by the seller as the contract states.
4. Communicating with the lender and title company to keep the contract moving forward and releasing contingencies of the contract as stated.
5. Providing assistance to buyers for contractors, locksmiths, cleaners, moving companies, utility companies, etc.
6. Advocating for the buyer with the mortgage company by staying in the loop for the appraisal, closing time, and location of the closing that works best for their schedule. (and when they have the help of family and friends for the move!)
7. Arranging for the final inspection to happen prior to the closing and requiring repair documents to be available for review prior to closing.
8. Your agent will be at the closing to assist with anything that needs to be signed for the closing company and to answer questions. (Also to soothe nerves and celebrate with giving the keys!)
As you can see, your agent truly earns their keep during the escrow period. And most of the time, buyers don't know what is going on behind the scenes. As a buyer, most of the time representation is paid by the seller...i.e. buyer is entitled to their own representation by an agent at no additional cost! In addition during the home search process, your agent knows the neighborhoods and the houses that have sold better than Zillow. They can help you in determining a fair offer range so that you don't lose the house that you want!
If you are considering a purchase this Spring, give me a call. We will sit down for a free home buyer consultation and see if we are a good fit to assist you with your investment!
Keep smiling!
Karen
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