Agent meeting with potential home buyers

Meet & Talk

6 Tips - Buyer's Agent

I will advocate for your needs and ensure that you find the best house and get the best deal. The agent that represents "the Buyer" is referred to as the Buyer's Agent and has the responsibility to protect the interests of the buyers. A buyer's agent should ask in-depth questions and cover these important points.

Woman greeting clients at the door of a colonial home
1

Getting to know you.

My job is to guide you through your home buying journey. Getting to know you, your goals, your needs, and your wishes is the first step. Your home buying story is unique and I will listen carefully and ask probing questions to understand your situation. There are important considerations that determine the criteria for your home search. You may already be going to Open Houses. But, buying a home is more than just searching for that new home, it is a complex, financial transaction with many components. As I listen and understand your needs, I can help strategize a custom plan to meet your goals, your timeline, and find the right home for you. Our initial meeting allows me to ask questions, carefully listen, and answer your questions.

Map of Philadelphia and New Jersey area
2

Living Where?

Urban or suburban, NJ and Philadelphia have many wonderful towns, neighborhoods and areas that you may find desirable. You may have very specific ideas of where you want to move or you are open to exploring new ideas. You may have restrictions based on work location, schools, or travel access that need to be taken into consideration. Are you in the market for a single home, townhome, or condo? This is all part of designing the custom search strategy for your home buying journey.

Calculator and financial documents for home affordability
3

What can you afford?

First there are the stats: your mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance should be no more than 28% of your monthly income (before taxes).

  • What is your gross monthly income and expenses?
  • What is your credit score?
  • How much debt: add up credit card, loans, mortgages?
  • How stable is your employment?
  • How much can you put down 5% to 20%?
Agent communicating with client via phone and computer
4

Communications

What can you expect? I adjust to your schedule and make sure that I am always available for you. Every buyer has a different time schedule: any day - time, weekends only, or preview homes for me. As soon as you sign, I will immediately start sending details of properties that you may be interested in touring. We will develop your custom search strategy, so you don't miss out on any opportunities. I will track your showings and feedback so we have a complete picture of the market.

Buyer's agent agreement document
5

The Buyer's Agent Agreement

The Buyer's Agent Agreement needs to be explained in detail and all questions concerning documents can also be discussed. The Buyer's Agent Agreement is a legal contract that is drawn by attorneys and can be slightly different state to state. Basically the contract outlines the agent's duties, important dates, the term of the contract and many other specifics. "Are you ready?" - getting started begins with signing the Buyer's Agent Agreement.

Commission rate diagram and explanation
6

Commission Rate

Real Estate agents work on a commission basis regardless if you are the seller or the buyer. Sellers have always set the commissions for a transaction and commissions have always been negotiable for sellers. What is new in this contract is the realtor and the buyer negotiate the commission paid to the buyers agent. An open and transparent explanation of commission is part of the engagement process and realtors cannot show properties until there is a signed Buyer's agreement.