Buyers have questions. It’s a good thing I have answers.

The Buyer Consultation is free and is done with every client who is thinking of hiring me to be their Buyer Agent. It’s where we get to know each other and make sure our personalities are a fit and that our expectations are made clear up front.

Prior to the appointment, I’ll email you a questionnaire that will tell me how comfortable you are with things like financing, paying closing costs, and doing updates or renovations. You can complete this now if you would like!

What to bring…

BRING QUESTIONS
Please make a list of questions to bring to the appointment. The questionnaire will spark some questions, and you’ll think of others during our appointment. I want you to understand everything about this process, so ask away! It’s important.

BRING YOUR HOMEWORK
Each decision maker who will be living in the home (usually the adults) should make a list of deal-breakers, wishes, and wants for the new home. (See below.)

BRING THE PRE-APPROVAL LETTER FROM YOUR LENDER
Most buyers think the first step in house hunting is just that - house hunting! But it’s actually pre-qualification with a lender. If you need a referral to a reputable local lender, I can help you get started so don’t be nervous. This is a crucial, required first step before looking at homes for many reasons. Once your lender has provided you with an updated pre-qualification letter (or a “proof of funds” letter if paying cash) then we will set out to tour homes!

Components of the Buyer Consultation

• Pre-Approval or Pre-Qualification. Have you completed the pre-qualification process? If not I can refer you to great lenders who can get you prepared to search for property!

• Deal-breakers are things that will make the home a NO for your family. You may require a one-story home or only want a home with an enclosed garage. Maybe for you, a home with a galley-style kitchen is a deal-breaker, or if a home doesn’t have cable television access, it’s a no. Some people only want homes with a pool and others absolutely do not want a pool. Be sure only absolute deal-breakers go on this list.

• Wishes are things that would be nice to have and would make you feel like you really hit the jackpot if you found a house with that feature. For example, a bay window in the kitchen or an outdoor kitchen by the pool. These are features you could certainly live without and wouldn’t really pay extra for, but they just may seal the deal if you found them in a property.

• Wants are what we’re really looking for. They’re the “three bedroom, two bathroom, brick home with 2 car garage OR carport in XYZ school district”. These are the basics - the needs. The things that are needed to help your family function and flow go here.

• A discussion about your “why”. Why are you buying? How can I help your family move toward this next phase?

• Your expectations: Your past experiences with agents, what you need from an agent, and a review of your timeline and goals for the buying period.

• Closing Costs: Closing costs are fees charged by various professionals who work on aspects of your transaction. The majority of fees come from the lending side and are a result of a buyer obtaining a mortgage.

  In cash purchases, closing costs may only be around $1,400 and in properties purchased with a mortgage, they may be as much as 3.5% of the sales price of the home.

  Closing costs are monies due in addition to the sales price of the property. Who pays them are a part of the negotiation between buyer and seller, so make sure you understand them completely before you sign your contract.

While inspections are not usually considered a closing cost,
this Wikipedia article may help you understand the types of fees lumped in to this category.

• Transaction Timeline: Each transaction is different, but it’s good to know where you are in the grand scheme of things. Refer to this list to see where you are.

• A thorough discussion about local market conditions. Are things selling quickly? Is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market? Are we seeing multiple offer situations in your budget range?

• Plenty of time for Q & A.

• A review of the “Working With a Real Estate Broker” form, as required by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, which explains the duties of REALTORS® working with customers and clients. This form explains the types of relationships available to buyers and sellers when working with a REALTOR® and the agent’s duties for each relationship type.

• An opportunity to hire me.

I promise not to bore you with a pre-packaged digital presentation that I purchased from the internet.
I hate digital slideshow presentations.
I’m not going to make you suffer through one.

Important Note…

If you’ve been working with a Buyer Agent that you like - someone who has spent time with you, educating you about the buying process, showing you homes, and answering your calls and questions, STICK WITH THEM.

Mississippi requires buyers enter into a written Buyer Agency Agreement beginning on August 17th, 2024, so hopping from agent to agent not only results in confusion and frustration for the client, it can cause legal problems for agents as well as for YOU.

Ready to schedule your consultation?