Why should I hire a buyers agent? What do they even do?

Here is a pretty extensive and yet still not all inclusive list of the duties & responsibilities of a Buyers Agent in the state of Texas.

Job Responsibilities

● They conduct a thorough needs analysis to ensure understanding of the desired of their clients in order to fulfill the fiduciary duty to each client.

● They ensure clients have access to the financial industry via referrals and are able to get pre-qualified with a mortgage lender or help them obtain proof of funds from their bank to purchase a home with cash.

● They research potential homes and local community information to deliver upon request.

● They provide clients pricing information and can perform specific market research like new developments and TxDOT information.

● They identify and compile lists of homes for review that may meet buyers’ criteria.

● They schedule and attend all showings of homes outside of open houses.

● They continuously refine their buyers’ criteria and select additional homes to show in order to make sure their clients find a home they are satisfied with.

● They write & submit all offers for purchase after educating them on terms and contract basics.

● They negotiate contended terms for offers to purchase and facilitate the entire purchase process from start to finish.

● They prepare their clients for what to expect during inspections and provide due-diligence checklist to work through during the option period.

● They provide vendor lists and attend on-site property inspections and meetings with clients and outside vendors such as title companies, foundation repair, painters, etc.

● They negotiate all inspection repairs by helping buyers understand homeownership maintenance, and customary vs necessary repair requests based on the neighborhood and current market.

● They ensure access to the property while under contract and in the option period as needed for measuring, inspecting, contractor appointments, etc.

● For new construction they schedule the initial tours, facilitate contract negotiation, help to make market appropriate interior and exterior selections and more.

● They makes sure an appraisal is ordered on time toward the end of the transaction.

● They briefly review Home Owner’s Association or Condo Documents and forward them for review and advise clients to have an attorney review them as well.

● They work closely with the Title Company for updates, such as title or survey issues and to schedule closing dates and times.

● They work closely with mortgage lenders to make sure the loan progresses as expected, and will help provide any missing information or documents they have access to.

● They act as unofficial mediators to resolve issues that may delay closing or void contracts.

● They coordinate with other agents and vendors to schedule closing time, final visual walk-through inspection, confront and handle walk-through issues and confirm when they get the "clear to close" from the title company.

● They review “lease-back” agreement if necessary, explain the potential hazards and drawbacks as well as terms for owners that stay over their agreement date.

● They make sure Home Owner’s Insurance Policies are in place and adequate - no Cash Value line items, or missing coverages.

● They help ensure Buyers have Certified Funds for the amount due at closing, and make sure they have the proper wiring instructions from the title company if necessary.

● They rpovide accurate contacts for utility transfers recieved from the listing agent

● They are often present, but are always at least available during closing.

● They Promptly return all buyer client telephone calls, texts and/or emails even after closing during their normal business hours.

The thing about having a Real Estate Agent that makes it all worth while, is their in-depth understanding of the process, it's quirks and the support team they all have that helps them get from opening the first door to handing over the keys at closing. We don't work alone, we are creative with our solutions to problems and we know the market. We know what sells and what doesn't, what gives you an edge over the competition because we work with sellers as well. We have your best interests at heart because often we are homeowners ourselves and have been in the shoes of our buyers. We seek to serve and satisfy because repeat and referral business is the best business there is and we don't earn that skimping on the details and leaving people hanging.

I'd love to have the opportunity to tell you more about what I personally can do for you as a buyer, how I work and what my business is built on.

Janine

Broker@JanineTheRealtor.com