Ready to Buy a Home?
Is this your first home purchase? Or maybe you’re upsizing or downsizing? What about relocating to Ithaca area? Or buying AND selling?
No matter what your level of need, CJ can help you prepare for the work ahead. She has over 25 years experience helping buyers purchase homes in the greater Ithaca area!
Why do you need a BUYER’S AGENT?
Your agent will give you a jump on the newest listings – especially if you’re out of town, or needing to sell a house before buying. Ask CJ about the automatic email notification system she uses to keep buyers updated on the Ithaca real estate market hourly, daily or weekly – depending on your needs and motivation!
Finding and purchasing the right home can be difficult – especially when you’re not sure who is involved. Understanding the role of a Buyer’s Agent in a real estate transaction helps you to make better choices and reduces both hassles and surprises you may have in the process of buying your new home!
In NYS, a Buyer’s Agent is a real estate agent who is employed by and represents only you, the buyer, in a transaction. Although they work exclusively for the buyer, their compensation can be paid in a number of ways – typically, the seller offers to compensate a buyer agent via the MLS. Even if the seller compensates the buyer’s agent, the buyer’s agent MUST always remain loyal to the buyer. There is also the option for the buyer to pay the buyer’s agent fee instead of through the cooperation/compensation in the MLS. CJ will discuss your options when reviewing the buyer agent contract at the time you hire her to help you.
Buyer’s agents can provide a number of services for you, including:
- Helping you determine how much you can afford to spend on a home
- Explaining available financing options/pre-qualification for loans
- Informing you of current real estate values, taxes, utility costs and other factors that will influence your opinion about a property
- Using the Multiple Listing Service to locate homes that suit your needs
- Helping you select appropriate properties to view
- Revealing any information about a seller or property which may affect your purchase decision
- Drafting/presenting a purchase/sale offer
- Advising and negotiating for the most favorable price and terms
- Helping you to evaluate/respond to counteroffers
- Helping you with the steps between offer acceptance and closing including inspection process, loan process, contract contingencies, etc.
- Being at the final walk through right before closing to ensure you’re buying what you thought you were
- Being YOUR advocate, always negotiating on your best behalf
Here are some practical steps to help you get started on your new home