Help Arrange Financing
» 1. Assist in locating sources of mortgage loans.
» 2. Help you examine how much you can afford but how much you may want to spend.
» 3. Assist in comparing different financing options.
» 4. Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available.
» 5. Educate and discuss the differences between being prequalified and preapproved for a mortgage.
Assist in Finding the Right Property
» 6. Identify your needs and wants in a property.
» 7. Find appropriate available properties.
» 8. Set up an automated email alert system that immediately notifies you of properties that fit your requirements.
» 9. Sort through inaccurate information about homes in the area.
» 10. Provide ready access to all MLS-listed properties.
» 11. Network with other agents for properties not yet in the MLS.
» 12. Preview properties prior to showing.
» 13. Help select for viewing only those homes that fit your needs.
» 14. Aid in narrowing your search until you have identified your top choices.
» 15. Assist in analyzing the pros and cons of each property.
» 16. Disclose all known latent material defects.
» 17. Assist you in evaluating properties for suitability, affordability and resale value.
Educate You on Market Conditions
» 18. Educate you on whether it is a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market.
» 19. Show statistics on what percent of list price the sellers are currently receiving.
» 20. Show trends, current average days on market, current absorption rate and/or current months of inventory.
Guide You Through Making an Offer and Represent You and Your Interests in Negotiations
» 21. Prepare a CMA so that you make an informed decision when offering a price.
» 22. Advise you on what comparable properties are selling for.
» 23. Explain common contract contingencies.
» 24. Obtain appropriate seller disclosures.
» 25. Prioritize your goals.
» 26. Help create a negotiating strategy to achieve those goals.
» 27. Ensure that you receive and understand all state and federally required disclosure forms.
» 28. Handle the completion of the offer to purchase or sales contract.
» 29. Educate you on the contents of the sales contract.
» 30. Ensure that all appropriate additional forms are completed.
» 31. Assist you in getting the best property at the best price with the least amount of inconvenience based on current market conditions.
» 32. Prepare you for multiple offer situations and develop negotiation strategies specific to multiple offers.
Get You to Closing and Serve as Your Trusted Real Estate Resource
» 33. Recommend inspectors, lenders, attorneys and other professionals as necessary.
» 34. Be an advocate and advisor during the closing process.
» 35. Review and discuss home inspection concerns.
» 36. Monitor and communicate required contract deadlines to ensure that you meet them.
» 37. Assist in coordinating communications between the listing agent, lender, attorneys, title company, appraiser and other professionals.
» 38. Accompany you on the walk-through prior to closing to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you entered into the contract.
» 39. Remain a life-long trusted advisor regarding real estate questions, needs, or concerns.
Count on your Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) to provide the highest level of buyer-representation services.
*Taken from the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), a subsidiary of the National Association of Realtors.
— Reyne Stapelmann is a broker associate with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, California Properties and the 2015 president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. Contact her at reynestapelmann@cox.net or 805.705.4353. The opinions expressed are her own.