It’s important to know how your Realtor works. Some require office visits and long buyer and seller consultations, return calls only at specific times or have other parameters you should be aware of.
Buying or selling a home is both an exciting and stressful situation. Unless you have been referred, choosing a Realtor is a lot like a blind date. You don’t necessarily want to get married until you know something about the person. By the way – this works both ways!
Below are some basic ways I work. You can learn more about me by reading Who I Am. Let’s get to know each other!
I work from my Van Alstyne, TX home office and cover Collin, Grayson, Fannin and occasionally Denton and other counties.
Texas Realtors are licenced statewide but it normally makes sense to hire a local Realtor. For special situations, I will go the extra mile, especially for farm and ranch properties or will be glad to refer a competent associate.
Most Realtors will tell you they work 24 Hrs a day & that can be true behind the scenes. In general, I work normal office hours 8 am-5 pm unless we are working together on your home sale or purchase – then I do whatever it takes!
- Information About Brokerage Services
This explains my duties to you as a Buyer, Seller or Customer. The state requires Realtors to be given this at the first substantive discussion about real estate. If you worked with an agent without being provided the IABS, ask yourself why? - Listing Agreement
If selling, you will be required to sign a binding contract called a Listing Agreement with the brokerage.A sign can not be placed or your home marketing started without a signed agreement.
- Buyer’s Representation Agreement
This is basically the opposite of a Listing Agreement. It is also a binding contract with the brokerage to represent your interests as a buyer.Don’t get scared – remember the dating before marriage analogy? I won’t ask you to sign it until we have gotten to know each other and it can even be tailored to cover one property or one day.
There are of course many other documents involved in a real estate transaction but these are the main three to be concerned about as we begin our journey in buying or selling your home.
Most buyers these days like to search for their own properties on the internet. I can of course help if you require or want personal assistance.
I can set you up with automatic e-mail notice of new listings meeting your criteria. You will learn of them as soon as they are entered on the MLS. Based on our results we can tweak the parameters to make the search more relative to your needs.
When searching, if possible do a drive by to ensure you like the neighborhood and determine drive times to work before requesting a showing. This will eliminate many properties that look good on paper and make finding the perfect home easier.
When requesting information or scheduling showings, please provide me with the MLS# vs. the address if possible.
Most listings will be placed with a showing service. This makes it easy to schedule several home showings with one call and obtain any special showing instructions. I will try to group locations together and allow for appropriate times.
In most cases we will be meeting at a listing and follow each other vs piling in one car. Be aware that Murphy’s Law applies here – often the best made plans are thrown asunder!
I try to schedule showings earlier vs later so that you can enjoy the rest of your day. We are strangers in someone’s home so proper supervision of young ones and bathroom planning is important and appreciated. Seller’s crave showing feedback so don’t be afraid to tell me your thoughts. Be aware that many people have video doorbells and listening devices.
You don’t want Alexa spilling her guts that you would pay more!
- Our time is valuable. I will always respect yours and expect the same. If you can’t make a scheduled appointment or are running late, please call or text. I don’t answer calls when driving or when with a client but will return your calls as soon as possible.
- I will communicate in any method that you are comfortable with. I have clients that only do business in person and others that live by text, e-mail and electronic signatures.
The method isn’t important, the communication is.
- Many contract items have critical time requirements which could cost you thousands of dollars if not met. Please respond promptly to texts, e-mails or VM, especially when signature, initials or further documentation is requested.
- We have to be on the same page to achieve your home buying or home selling goals. If for any reason we are not clicking, I am happy to refer you to another agent. I invest a lot of time, effort and preparation when working together. If your plans change, no harm or foul, just let me know.
- Regardless if you buy or sell, I want you to be happy with my service and tell others. I will do my utmost to be worthy of your recommendation to friends and family.