Buying a home

As a Realtor here in the metro Phoenix area, I have distinguished myself from other real estate agents because I work as a buyer’s agent.  A buyer's agent is one that works solely on behalf of the buyer and not the seller (like the listing agents whose name appears on the for sale sign in the front yard of a home for sale).  In order to truly call myself a buyer's agent, I have taken additional training and coursework that has given me the ability to focus on the needs and wishes of Phoenix home buyers.  Furthermore, I have distinguished myself with the necessary experience requirements to back up the education. I have earned the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation after my name.

As a real estate buyer's representative in Phoenix, AZ, I represent the metro Phoenix home buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction. Research by the National Association of REALTORS has shown that when a buyer's representative is used, the prospective buyer found a home one week faster and examined three more properties than consumers who did not use a buyer's representative.

As a real estate buyer's representative in the Phoenix area, I work for, and owe fiduciary responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and have home buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate process. It is my job to:

1. Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate properties that fit those specifications.

2. Assist the buyer in determining the amount that they can afford (pre-qualify), and show properties in that price range and locale.

3. Assist in viewing properties -- accompany the buyer on the showings, or preview the properties on behalf of the buyer to insure that the identified specifications are met.

4. Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the buyer make an informed decision prior to making an offer to purchase the property.

5. Advise the buyer on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.

6. Present the offer to the seller's agent and the seller on the buyer's behalf.

7. Negotiate on behalf of the buyer to help obtain the identified property -- keeping the buyer's best interests in mind.

8. Assist in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.

9. Provide a list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. title companies, inspectors, carpenters, etc.) if these services are needed.

The following are a few of the transactions that I have put together recently for clients as a buyer's agent:

Example #1:  North Scottsdale Short Sale.  One of my clients was looking for a home that not only fit their lifestyle but was located in a great school district for their son.  I was able to negotiate what was a million dollar property for a fraction of the cost while demonstrating the built in equity despite the downturn in the market.

Example #2:  Out of State Buyer looking for a vacation home.  I was glad when my client listened to me and didn't rush the purchase of a home while they were in town.  I knew what they wanted but we weren't finding quite the right homes during their 3 day stay in the valley.  Through persistent searching, I found them the right home but they were not able to come down to view the house.  With the use of email, video, and Skype, my clients were able to purchase their dream vacation home without having to come back to the valley, I handled the inspections, the paperwork, and all of the details while they were back at home without a worry about the transaction.   

Example #3:  First time home buyer looking for a home in the east valley.  I worked with this particular couple of honeymooners for over a year to find the right home.  Money was tight, keeping the payment within a particular range was crucial, and I didn't want them buying a home that would turn into a money pit.  We had found the right home before but I had encouraged them to back out of the transaction due to foundation issues with the home.  After another six months of looking, I was able to successfully negotiate a contract that beat out 2 higher offers, still negotiate in the contract provisions for the seller to pay for all of their closing costs, and provided them with an affordable starter home to begin their lives together. 

Example #4:  Investor purchasing an investment.  Recently I helped an investor purchase an investment property that would provide a solid rate of return on the home.  We focused on areas that had good rental possibilities, strong rents, and kept the rehab costs in check.  The home he purchased ended up being 15% below current market value, the seller paid for his closing costs, and he is looking at a 12% return on his money from the rents he receives each month (not including any anticipated appreciation on the home).

Example #5:  Short Sale Buyer Forced to Move.  A client of mine needed a home fast because her landlord would not renew her lease.  After searching for the right home, I negotiated a contract where she was able to live in the home while the short sale was being negotiated.  Not only did she pay a below market rent for the home, she purchased the home for $60,000 less than the asking price, the seller paid for all of her closing costs, and she only had to move once.

These examples are just a sampling of the many deals that I have been able to negotiate on behalf of my clients.  I work hard for them, strive to exceed their expectations, and help them every step of the way.

Most importantly and I cannot emphasize this point enough, I fully represent the buyer throughout the real estate transaction.  As I stated in other sections of this website, I pride myself in being a "single agency" Realtor.  This means that when you hire me to help you buy or sell a home, I will always put your interest first and NEVER will I betray your confidence by trying to work both sides of the transaction.  This is why I will not represent both parties in a transaction, commonly referred to as limited dual agency, where agents are telling the sellers they represent that they will get them the highest price possible and turn around to their buyer client and tell them that they will get them the lowest price possible.  Believe it or not, this happens far too frequently, especially when one agent from a real estate company has the listing and another agent from the same company is working with the buyer--and even then, the buyer's agent has an obligation to represent the interests of the seller. 

If you would like a full-time Realtor that has the experience, training and know-how to work for you and guide you through the home buying process, call me at 480-888-1234.