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Why Buyer Representation?
Buying a ranch, vacation property or a rural retreat is more than making a purchase -- it is realizing a dream. Choosing Hill Country Connection is your first step to ensuring that your new place in the Hill Country meets your needs.
As a buyer's agent our services and experience will help you find the place that best suits you and your family. For your convenience, Hill Country Connection provides you with an opportunity to search the area MLS listings and also to request a more comprehensive custom search in numerous databases.
Q: Why use a Buyer's Agent? Why not go right to the seller or listing agent?
A: Our job is not to list or sell properties but to help our clients locate and purchase properties. Remember, we are an advocate for you and your interests alone and not the seller. The seller's agent works in the best interest of the seller of the property. Buyer's agents are particularly important when the buyer is purchasing property out-of-town or out-of-state. Whether you are buying a house or land or using another service, you should always use a buyer's agent.
In addition, as your buyer's agent, we will:
- Assure you that your financial status and bargaining position remains confidential.
- Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
- Be sure that the seller understands his/her obligation to disclose all information about the property.
- Give you my opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of a property.
- Guide you through the entire buying process, from finding properties to look at to suggesting the best sources for financing.
- Assist you in making an offer. To do so we must make sure that the asking price of the property is reasonable and fair so you don't pay too much for your new property. An offer should be based upon solid information, although each property is unique.
- Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy and more.
- Receive compensation in the form of commissions only from the seller upon the sale of the property. Remember, as a buyer's agent, the seller of the property pays all agent commissions..
Q: How do we set up this relationship?
A: When we first meet in person you will receive a document called "Information About Brokerage Services," which explains representation in general. We will then answer questions you may have about Buyer Representation and ask you to review a Buyer Representation Agreement form. If you are pleased with our working relationship thus far and would like to "hire" us to show you properties, act as your representative, and make your offer then it will be necessary to sign the Buyer Representation form.
Q: Why should you sign this agreement? Many buyers are cautious and therefore reluctant to sign a contract of any kind.
A: It is necessary to enter into this relationship to receive the all of services stated above. However long you think it will take the agent to find you the right property. You have the right to nullify the agreement, as well.
Q: What benefits does the agent derive from the agreement?
A: Primarily, knowing that he or she will be compensated for the work done. The agreement stipulates that the SELLER agrees to pay the buyer's agent a commission if the buyer purchases the property. In one instance a buyer's agent found a hundred properties for a prospective buyer over the course of a year. The buyer liked one of the properties but bypassed his agent completely and bought it directly from the listing agent. So the buyer's agent received nothing for her work.
As we begin the search process a few common-sense recommendations are offered:
- Check your credit rating and correct any errors (if they exist).
- Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
- Find a lender that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved).
- Choose a REALTORŽ that you trust and who understands your needs.
- Determine what community best matches your needs.
- Identify important features that your new property should have.
Closing Costs to Expect:
- Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
- Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search and other inspections such as termites.
- Government fees include deed recording and state and local mortgage taxes.
- Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
Please explore our website. If you have any questions please call us at (830) 864-4112. Or you may use the contact form below.
Fredericksburg Johnson City BlancoLlanoKerrvilleBoerneBandera and other communities
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