What is a Buyer's Agent?

The Buyer's Agent represents the buyer who is purchasing the property in the real estate transaction. This agent owes full fiduciary responsibilities, duties, and loyalty to the buyer. The Buyer's Agent works for the buyer and has the buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire transaction process.

As your Buyer's Agent, you can be assured of confidentiality and loyalty as I assist you in all aspects of buying a home, including the following:

• I will listen to you carefully as you tell me what you want and what you need.
  
• I will assess your specific needs and find homes that meet your specifications and price range.
  
• I will research the homes that you are interested in and will help you determine what offer to present.
  
• I will present all offers on your behalf and negotiate with the seller and the seller's agent, with your best interests in mind.
  
  

Choosing an agent to represent you in a real estate transaction is an important decision. It is a good idea to interview several agents before making your selection. When selecting a real estate agent, keep in mind the following criteria:

• Service -- The buyer's agent should be willing to go the extra mile to support the buyer in finding the right home and throughout the transaction process.
  
• Experience -- A buyer's agent should keep up to date on all aspects of the real estate market and make it a point to know what is going on in the area.
  
• Reputation -- Always choose an agent that has built up a reputation in the area as someone who is dependable, committed and honest.
  

My professional goal is to ensure a smooth real estate transaction and earn your repeat business and endorsement to your friends and family. Your referrals are my future business. Most of my business is repeat and referrals.

I love the real estate business. When you love what you do, it's easy to make things happen and take good care of your clients.

Well known for my ability to establish an easy rapport and my superior negotiating skills, I am proud of the respect and loyalty that I have earned from my clients. I am very proud to be associated with Prudential. We have offices and almost XXX agents working together to make us the number one sales office in San Antonio.

Cost

In most cases, you do not have to pay to be represented by a Buyer's Agent. The Buyer's Agent is usually compensated by splitting the fee that has been negotiated between the seller's agent and the seller. In the case of new construction, the builders pay for the buyer to have representation.

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10 Step in buying your first home

Buying your first home can and should be a fun, exciting experience. It will probably also be the single largest investment you ever make. For this reason, it is important to be involved and informed. Use the series of steps below to make your home buying experience smooth and enjoyable:

• Select a REALTOR®: Most Realtors belong to the Multiple Listing Service, which means that one person can show you nearly any home with a real estate sign in front. Working with one person that fits your personality and listens to your home needs will assure positive results.
  
• Determine a realistic price range: Your mortgage lender can determine in a matter of minutes how much of a loan you can pre-qualify for, depending upon your income and debts. With these numbers in hand, you can begin looking at homes.
• View a variety of homes and neighborhoods. Don't be discouraged if you don't find the right home the first day. Also remember that love at first sight can apply to homes, too.
  
• Select the home for you and make an offer to the seller on an earnest money contract. Your Realtor will prepare the contract and review it with you. When both parties have agreed to all terms in writing, you are ready to begin the loan process.
  
• Apply for your mortgage loan, after comparing rates offered by several banks, mortgage lenders and brokers. The lender should guide you through each step of the process.
  
• Arrange for a home inspection by a Licensed Real Estate Inspector. Have a licensed pest inspector check the home for termites. Both should provide written reports upon inspection completion.
  
• Consider a home warranty plan. Home warranty companies will, upon failure of eligible systems and components of your home, provide for repair or replacement. These plans are effective for one year from the closing date. They can be part of the contract negotiations (to be purchased by either the buyer or the seller).
  
• Close on or before the date set forth in the earnest money contract. Your Realtor should be present to provide help if needed.
  
• Plan your move well ahead of time. Contact utility companies in advance, and if you are currently renting, give your landlord at least 30 days notice before vacating.
  
• Enjoy your new home. Home ownership is the American dream. By planning ahead, getting involved and staying informed, you can start building on that dream today.
  

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Facts Every Buyer Should Know

Here are some important facts that you should know before buying a home. These tips will help you avoid making costly mistakes.

Rely On An Experienced Buyer's Agent. A Buyer's Agent can save you money by using years of successful negotiating experience on your behalf.

Get Financially Pre-Approved. This will let you know how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Plus, you will have the opportunity to lock in a specific interest rate.

Obtain a Comparative Market Analysis. Obtain a report showing what similar homes in the area have sold for, as well as the difference between their asking and selling prices. Armed with this knowledge, you can be sure your offer is reasonable.

Understand Negotiating Styles. Insisting on the lowest possible offer is not always the best tactic because it tends to alienate the seller.

• Relying on years of experience closing real estate transactions, I can select the negotiating style that best fits your situation.
  
  

Read The Details in the Offer To Purchase. Wrong assumptions about what is included and what is not included in your Offer can lead to increased costs.

• I will explain the agreement to you so there are no last minute surprises.
  
  

Rely on Facts. Too often buyers rely strictly on their emotions rather than on facts when deciding to buy a home.

• I will help you keep your emotions in check while providing you with the facts
• you need to ensure a smart decision.
  
  

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Tips for Choosing the Right Home

Selecting the right home is not an easy decision and often it is complicated by emotional issues. Buyers tend to "fall in love" with a home, and that is fine as long as the rational reasons for buying the home support their emotional decision.

Evaluate the Neighborhood

In choosing a neighborhood, take the following into consideration:

• If you have children, you will most likely want a neighborhood that is family-oriented, so that your children will have other children around to play with.
  
• Families will also want to look into the quality of the local school districts. While all the school districts are good, if your child has special needs, it is very important to evaluate the schools to determine which one best fits your requirements.
  
• If you like sports, you may want a neighborhood that features jogging paths, parks, tennis courts, etc.
  
• Determine the proximity to work or school and decide whether this is an important issue for you. Check out the proximity to shopping and recreation centers.
  
• Drive or walk around the neighborhood you are considering. Notice the condition of the houses in the area. Homes in good condition indicate a pride in ownership that has a positive impact on property values.
  
• Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and pay attention to the amount of traffic and noise.
  
• Find out about crimes in the area. The local police department can provide you with statistics on how many and what types of crimes have been committed in each area.
  
• Do you need a location where you can keep horses or other animals?
  
• Do you want city or country living?
  

We will take a look at all the neighborhoods that meet your needs and lifestyle. Each neighborhood has its own personality and I will help guide you through the process of choosing one.

Evaluate the Home

Decide ahead of time what features you want to have in a home. Some features you will absolutely need, and others may be an option. Here are some things to think about:

• Do you want a new home or a resale?
  
• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
  
• What style of home -- Contemporary, Traditional, Southwest?
  
• What type of floor plan - Two Story, Ranch, Tri-level?
  
• Do you need a basement - finished or unfinished?
  
• Do you want a large or small lot?
  
• Do you want acreage for animals?
  
• Do you want to live in the city or the country?
  
• Do you want views of the peak or front range?
  

Make a list of the amenities you would like to have in your home. Here are a few to think about:

• Eat-in kitchen
  
• Greatroom or Familyroom
  
• Formal living and dining area
  
• Master suite with 5 piece bath
  
• Number of bedrooms on the same level
  
• Where do you want the laundry room
  
• Number of fireplaces
  
• Air conditioning
  

As you view the different homes, write down the pros and cons of each one. Evaluate how each one measures up to the criteria you have established. Your efforts will go a long way toward assuring that the home you buy is the right choice for you!

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Home Inspection Warning Signs

A home inspection is an essential step in the Buying Process. A Seller is obligated to disclose to the Buyer all known facts that affect the value of the home and that may not be readily noticed. But there are often defects that the Seller does not know about. A licensed and certified Inspector can uncover structural and system problems that may have significant bearing on the price you pay for your new home.

It is a good idea to accompany the Inspector when he examines the home. As he works you can be on the lookout for the following warning signs that may indicate costly problems:

The Roof:

• stained or sagging ceilings
  
• peeling plaster
  
• missing or cracked roof tiles
  

The Heating System:

• abundance of repair stickers indicating multiple service calls
  
• lack of service history
  

The Plumbing and Electrical Systems:

• bathtubs and sinks do not drain well
  
• extra-long extension cords in use
  
• appliances that don't appear to be functioning properly
  

The Outside and Yard:

• cracks in the foundation
  
• pooling water from improper drainage
  
• soil instability indications such as warped doors, locks that don't engage properly, sloping floors
  
• indications of a possible easement on the property
  
• potential noise problems such as proximity to commercial businesses
  

Pet Problems:

• noticeable odors or carpet stains
  
• proximity to homes containing barking dogs
  

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Closing Costs Defined

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender is required to provide you with a "Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs." That document explains the estimated costs that will become due at the closing. Some of those costs, along with other common closing costs are defined below:

• Application Fee: Charged by lender to cover fixed costs associated with mortgage loan processing.
  
• Appraisal Fee: Charged to have a licensed professional appraiser certify the value of the home being purchased.
  
• Closing Fee: Charged by the title company to prepare all the closing papers, settlement sheets, warranty deed, and proration of taxes. Usually split: 1/2 Buyer and 1/2 Seller.
  
• Credit Report Fee: Charged by the lender to receive a detailed copy of your credit history. The lender may only require one credit reporting agency, or all three.
  
• Discount Points: Each point is equal to 1% of the mortgage and used by the lender to adjust the yield on the mortgage. The borrower can secure a lower mortgage interest rate by paying more points. Homeowner's Insurance: At the Closing, a one year premium must be paid in advance.
  
• Loan Closing Fee: Charged by the lender to finalize the mortgage.
  
• Loan Origination Fee: Usually 1% of the loan.
  
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): When the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, the lender often requires this insurance.
  
• Recording Fee: Charged by the County Recorders Office to officially record the deed and mortgage, and to transfer taxes.
  
• Survey Fee: Charged for verifying the boundaries of the property being purchased.
  
• Title Insurance: Charged for insurance that protects the lender by guaranteeing that the property's title is without legal defects.
  
  

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