by Carrie Bodin, Buyer’s Agent for Re/Max Suburban Atlanta, Nancy Minor Team, 03/01/08

Real Estate Agents who represent their clients in the process of securing a home or business are commonly referred to as “Buyer’s Agents.” In a very real sense, these men and women lay pathways of stepping stones (Buyer’s interests) by employing strategies and skills, gained by education and experience, ultimately saving the Buyer time and money.

Many stepping stones are required in the purchase of Real Estate and a conscientious Buyer’s Agent ensures that their clients are aware and ready for each and every one. Initially, a Buyer’s Agent will spend time with their client to learn their needs, wants, and motivation for buying. Early in this relationship they will also assist in connecting the buyer with Lenders in order to evaluate loan and financing options.

Working together, the Buyer’s Agent and Buyer will eventually select listings that match the Buyer’s criteria and begin viewing properties. During this period, the Buyer’s Agent will utilize such stepping stones as: Price Comparable Reports, Comparative Market Analyses, Disclosure Statements, HOA Covenants and By-Laws, County Rules and Regulations, and information on the Sellers motivation to sell. All this detailed research helps the buyer make informed decisions prior to making an offer to buy.

The steps in selecting a property, and structuring an offer desirable to the seller, are critical. Using contract elements such as Sales Price, Closing Date, and Closing Costs a conscientious Buyer’s Agent drafts an offer that will best draw the Seller’s interest. Additional considerations important to the Buyer, such as sale of their existing home, time to sort out County Regulations, warranties, and any items the Buyer wishes to remain with the property, such as appliances need to be stipulated before negotiations begin.

Once the Seller and Buyer agree on all terms, and a Binding Agreement Date is set, a Buyer’s Agent next guides the Buyer through the Inspections phase of the contract. Inspections are the Buyer’s responsibility and a thorough Buyer’s Agent will include time to address such issues as construction, stucco, and termite protection, as well as necessary appraisals and surveys. Once these steps have been completed, the Buyer’s Agent can help negotiate a settlement in the form of money or action by the Seller to correct issues needing repair or attention. Touching these stepping stones can mean serious savings to a well represented Buyer.

The final stepping stone in a Real Estate transaction is the Closing Date; the point where having a professional, skilled and organized Buyer’s Agent can really pay off. This is not the time to find out a step was missed along the way!

Traveling the real estate transaction pathway successfully to your new home will remain important to you and your Buyer’s Agent far into the future. By “crossing the ‘t’s and dotting the ‘i’s, your Buyer’s Agent will not only save you time and money, he/she provides peace of mind in the hope of earning your referrals to others who may need their services.

Carrie Bodin is a buyers agent for Re/Max Suburban Atlanta, Nancy Minor Team. For more information on real estate buyer’s agents please contact Carrie at 770-447-5558.