Buyer FAQ

Here are some of the more frequent questions we receive from buyer:

What type of information will you need from me?

To do the best job for you, we will want to meet and discuss your plans and your specific wants and needs. This will include such things as: 

  • Preferred price range 
  • Number of bedrooms / bathrooms 
  • Style of home (single-story, two-story, etc.) 
  • Size of yard 
  • Preferred school districts 
  • Geographical areas / neighborhoods of interest 
  • Special needs / special interests which your home needs to accommodate 

Keep in mind that a very specific set of criteria may narrow your list of potential properties, while a very broad list may lead to an overwhelming number of properties to view. 

But don’t worry. Go ahead and start making a wish list and then we will help you review and strategize!

Is it expensive to use a real estate agent to buy a home?

The compensation that a buyer’s agent (also called the “selling agent”) receives typically comes from the seller’s proceeds and is a percentage of the total commission charged by the listing company. That information is available to me through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). In such a case, there is no cost for a buyer to be represented by an agent.

If a buyer is interested in purchasing a property not listed in an MLS, it is possible that the seller will not compensate the buyer’s agent. In this case, a buyer agency agreement would detail the buyer’s obligation to compensate their agent. Typically, even with unlisted properties, the seller compensates the buyer’s agent.

What is the best way to find out about new properties?

We will work with you to determine how often you want to receive updates on available homes, and by what method (email, text, app, email, etc). Clients using email can receive automatic updates from most MLS systems as soon as new listings are entered.

Can you provide information on properties listed with other companies?

Yes, provided we are a member of the MLS where the property is listed. NWMLS covers most of the areas that our buyers would be searching in if they are looking for a local property, so we are covered there.

If we drive by a home we are interested in, review the listing details and photos on our phone, and we are ready to take a closer look, do we call you to see the property or the agent whose name is on the sign?

Call us. We will be your representative throughout the entire home buying process all the way up to closing, and even beyond. If there is information we need from the listing agent, we will reach out and secure that information for you. We should be the one you call for all your real estate needs. The listing agent has a duty to represent the seller, not you as the buyer. You want us as your buyers’ agent so you have an advocate on your side!

What about open houses? Can we go to open houses if we have been viewing homes with you?

You can certainly tour open houses on your own. Just let the agent holding the home open know that you are working with us and we will follow up with the listing agent to get any additional information that you need or to schedule a follow-up viewing.

The listing information indicates this property has acreage, but how do we know for sure where our property ends and the neighbor's begins?

The only way to know for sure is with a survey. There may have already been a survey done on the property or this may be something that you want to invest in, especially if you are building a fence or outbuildings or removing trees. Otherwise, we can talk to the seller to see if they can show us. But only through a survey can you know for sure. The title company may have additional information on the property specifics.

What happens if I buy a house and have issues afterwards?

Every home buyer should do their due diligence and find out as much about the home as warranted before making a purchase. This includes having inspection(s) done and finding out as much as you can to make an educated decision. And if something comes up after closing that seems like it was something that should have been disclosed and wasn’t, we will be there and will provide the information and guidance needed.

This is just the beginning of the many questions buyers have. You don’t have to have all your ducks in a row to give us a call – we are the starting place for buyers who are just learning about the process.
Reach out and we can answer all your buying questions!