Whether you’re new to the process, or an experienced home buyer, what I share below may be different from what you’re expecting…things you don’t normally read from a REALTOR®. You deserve to know the facts, but most importantly how I approach things, and why I will earn your trust.
My personal “rules of the road“…
- You’ll never have to sign a contract before I’ll help you find, or show you, any Raleigh NC area properties.
- As a buyer I’ll never charge you any fees for my services. If we find and you purchase a home, I’ll be compensated by the seller (or the builder) at settlement.
- I promise to show you ALL properties for sale, not just listings from my office, or my personal listings, like so many others do.
- When you choose me to represent you, you’ll work with me! I answer all phone calls and emails, and I’m with you, by your side, every step of the way. For me this is a personal relationship. Good luck getting that with a real estate “Team”!
- I’ll never “sell“ you a home. In my opinion an real estate agent should never “sell” anyone anything!
- I won’t “talk you into buying” a home. My job is to present you with choices, identify the positives & negatives, then let you decide…and protect you throughout the process.
- Contacting me doesn’t mean you have to work with me. Once I’ve earned your trust we can take things to the next level, and on your terms. And you’ll never end up on some mailing list, and your contact info will never ever be shared with anyone…ever.
- You won’t have to register to get to any information on my Website. This includes my Property Search pages. The experts say it’s not good marketing. I say they don’t get it. I still think the best way to get your contact information (and your trust) is to earn it. And I will earn it. When something’s different people notice, and remember.
Some Tips:
- When visiting a new home construction sales office, be sure to tell them you’re working with a REALTOR® before signing anything. If you don’t, the sales person will typically end up representing both parties…you and the builder (buyer and seller). It’s a bit like having the same lawyer defend and prosecute the same case. You truly need someone on your side, and despite what you may think, the builder won’t raise the price of the house just because you’re working with a REALTOR®! They know we bring them a lot of business. I’ve saved my buyers $1000’s of dollars with new home construction. There’s no way the onsite sales rep would ever do that. Think about it.
- There’s an agent around every corner qualified to represent you in the purchase of a new home. And many will do a good job. But these days that’s not good enough. You need someone who knows this business inside and out, knows home construction and the products that are used (I designed and built my own home!). Someone who will negotiate the best price, and you steer you through the minefield of forms and inspections. Someone who literally “has your back” every step of the way. (See About Me)
- If you’re interested in a home while driving around (or on the Internet), never call the name on the yard sign (the listing agent). Once again…they represent the seller! Think about it. Who’s best interests are they committed to? I’ve saved my buyers a ton of money here as well. Call me anytime and I’ll research the property for you, give you the behind the scenes straight scoop, and even schedule a private showing. It really is that easy. Or look it up on my Address Search page!
- Trust your gut feelings when choosing a REALTOR®. Pick up the phone, call a few, see if they actually answer the phone (is it the actual experienced agent or some “Team Member”). If you do reach someone spend a few minutes listening to how they communicate. Then trust your instincts. This isn’t just some business transaction, it’s going to end up being a personal relationship. Send them an email, see how quickly they respond, and see who responds. Believe me, it will make a lot more sense after only a few inquiries.
- Never think choosing a “Big Name” firm will get you a more experienced real estate agent, or a better deal. Much of the time it’s actually quite the opposite! It’s all about the person…the agent…the REALTOR® you are working with. In fact, many of the better agents eventually move to smaller firms (or start their own!) so they will have the freedom to “do what they do best”. I started with Prudential, moved to RE/MAX, and I’m now with Raleigh Cary Realty, so I say this from experience.
I’ve worked with first time home buyers, experienced home buyers, families relocating to NC from all over the place, and a whole lot of new construction. Nearly all of them told me “the hardest part was just getting started” …mostly related to finding a REALTOR® to represent them (see My Testimonials).
I would love to be the first one you call or email, but either way please take the time to find a REALTOR® to represent you. Make a few phone calls, send some emails, talk with friends and neighbors. That first small step will break the ice, and probably change the way you look at everything.