First Time Homebuyers
Helping people to buy their first home is such a rewarding experience for me. It can be very overwhelming to start the process in talking to a lender about all of the different programs and trying to find properties online. By the time most of my clients are connected with me they are completely overwhelmed with information and aren’t sure how to sort through it all.
My goal in working with first time homebuyers is to help them sort through all of the information on how to obtain the loan, connect them to the best lenders (from multiple banks) in the city that will help them to understand the process and get the loan closed on time with minimal hassle. The lenders I refer business to will also offer them estimates that will allow buyers to compare different loans on the same form so they can find the best value for their purchase.
Calling multiple agents and having to search the internet and drive around the city looking for properties can be cumbersome. I can set up an auto search with the specific criteria so that you don’t have to waste time looking for homes without seeing the interior and without knowing what homes are within your price range. I can set the search up to fit any specific requests and it will send you an automatic email when the properties come on the market in your price range.
The negotiation process is an area where having a professional is important. I will always provide my clients with a comparative market analysis and provide my professional opinion about the market conditions and level of inventory in the area compared with the Cincinnati area average to help a client determine if the property they have chosen is the best investment for them.
Since buyer representation is paid by the seller of a property in almost all cases, it is always best to hire a professional who is experienced in working with first time home buyers and who is knowledgeable about the market that you are looking in.
Buyer Representation
When you are looking to buy a home it is very important to have professional representation. When a seller hires an agent to list their home that agent represents the best interest of the seller. If you call that agent and go on your own to the property, your interests are not being represented.
How is a buyer’s agent compensated?
Having buyer representation in Cincinnati is almost always paid for by the seller. When a seller signs a listing agreement for an agent to market their home, the contract commission is already agreed upon when the agreement is signed and that commission amount doesn’t change due to a second agent being involved.
Finding a home
As a buyer’s agent I am able to set up a property search for you with more specific data than you can search for yourself. I have access to the property history of the listings you are interested in and have specific market knowledge of the areas I work in to assist you. This includes a comparative market analysis and the neighborhood sales report to see what the homes in the area have been selling for. In addition, I know of many “pocket listings” or properties that are not listed that may meet your needs. I also have a network of agents that I work with to be able to access their “pocket listings” as well.
Negotiation
When negotiating a contract, having buyer representation could save you thousands of dollars. As your buyer’s agent you will benefit from my market knowledge, analysis, and excellent negotiation skills. I use Cincinnati Area Board of Realtor contracts which have been drafted by the attorney’s that advise the board. This saves you from using one from an Office Store that may not cover all of your bases. Of course you are always encouraged to review all contracts with legal counsel.
Transaction- Contract to Closing
Once you have a property under contract, I have lenders, inspectors, contractors, and title agents to assist you from day one of the accepted contract through the life of your home so that you are sure that every step of the way you are working with professionals. I do my best to make the process informative and enjoyable for you as a buyer and am available to you anytime to discuss concerns and address any issues that arise in the process. I am your agent for life!!
