Your path to home ownership
What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent?
REALTORS® are members of the local, state and national associations, follow the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics, Pathways to Professionalism and are members of associations that provide access to Real Estate listed for sale with another REALTOR® / Broker Member.
Many REALTORS® hold additional Designations & Certifications providing them with the expertise they need in their career.
What does REPRESENTATION mean?
Ready to house hunt? It’s a jungle out there: Prepare for a flurry of paperwork, stampedes of buyers competing for the same digs, and other challenges, before you get your hands on those house keys.
We won’t lie: The process can be complex and stressful—especially if you are a first-time buyer. Having a real estate pro by your side can make all the difference.
You might have heard of buyer’s agents, selling agents, listing agents, and so on. You’re a buyer, so what is a buyer’s agent?
Buyer’s agents are legally bound to help buyers, whereas listing agents—the real estate agent representing the home listing—have a fiduciary duty to the home seller.
“That’s why it’s in your best interest as a buyer to get an agent who is there to represent you,” explains Alex Cortez, a Realtor with Wailea Village Properties in Kihei, HI.
Let’s say, for instance, you walked up to the listing agent at an open house. You might gush about how you love the home and want to buy it, but add that you will need to move soon—because you’re expecting your second child and need to decorate the nursery, pronto, or because the lease on your rental is up in a couple of months.
A seller’s agent could then use this information against you by informing the sellers that your clock is ticking, so they shouldn’t budge too much on their asking price—if at all.
Yet make this same confession to the buyer’s agent you’re working with, and it’s all fine—this professional would know to keep this info private from sellers (and their agents), so it can’t be used against you.
Some states, recognizing this problem, required a disclosure of dual agency when a broker represents both sides of a real estate transaction.
A good buyer’s agent can ease your way to homeownership—and a bad one can result in a bumpy ride.
Before we work together, it’s best to know these things about me.
What neighborhoods do I specialize in?
Real estate requires local expertise, so you should find an agent who’s extremely familiar with the areas you’re interested in.
In West Virginia, I cover the following counties: Cabell, Wayne, Putnam, Lincoln, Kanawha, Nicholas, Raleigh, Mercer, Randolph and Pocahontas
In Kentucky:
Boyd, Greenup, Carter, Lawrence, Martin & Pike
In Ohio:
Lawrence, Gallia, Jackson
If you are interested in properties outside of these counties, let me know and I will connect you with a licensed real estate agent in those areas.
What’s your schedule and availability?
Part-time real estate agents who are committed can do a fine job, but if the house of your dreams pops up or you encounter last-minute closing snafus, you want an agent who will be readily reachable.
You can call / text me from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Want to be sure we are a good fit? ME TOO!! Read online reviews provided by past clients and learn more.
See my reviews HERE
The agent/buyer contract
Once you agree to work with me , you will sign a contract called an
“exclusive buyer agency agreement,”
outlining services and compensation.
This contract also means that this person will be your sole representative
and that you won’t work with other buyer’s agents.
Who covers the buyer’s agent commission?
In most instances, the seller compensates the Listing Brokerage, then the Listing Brokerage pays the Listing Agent and the Buyers Agent Brokerage and then your Agent is then compensated by their Brokerage..
At times, the buyer will compensate the Buyer Agent Brokerage, then the Brokerage then pays the Buyers Agent after keeping their % from the compensation to me (Your REALTOR®)
If you decide to purchase a property that is For Sale By Owner (FSBO), we do ask the seller to compensate the Brokerage. Many times they will do so. We also can split the compensation between the buyer and seller or buyer solely compensate your Buyers Agent Brokerage.
WHAT DOES ALL OF THE ABOVE MEAN FOR YOU?
Your next step 👉👉👉👉👉