The Real Estate II Buyer Advantage

1.Your Real Estate II Agent

Real Estate II agents are among the most experienced in the industry. They are experts in their field and experts in the community in which they live and work. Real Estate II agents are leaders among their peers in obtaining advanced education and designations. Each Real Estate II agent makes a personal investment in their business every month and most of their business comes from past clients or past client referrals. Whether you are a first time buyer, or a veteran investor, you can count on your Real Estate II agent to get the job done.

2. Ohio State Agency Law

Real Estate II practices Disclosed Dual Agency. This means that we represent both buyers and sellers individually, but may also represent buyers and sellers in the same transaction. In a dual agency situation we are required to treat both parties fairly and honestly but we cannot put one party at an advantage over another during the negotiating process. However, if the agent knows of a problem with the property, he or she is required by law to bring the issue to the attention of the buyer. Real Estate II agents takes their agency responsibility to you very seriously and will provide you with a brochure entitled the “Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships” for your review at your first meeting.

3. Finding Your Perfect Home

Real Estate II agents can show you and sell you any home in the state of Ohio. Realtors and members of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) ‘cooperate’ or share the commission paid by the seller with the firm that finds a buyer for a property. This provides you with the representation you deserve and better yet, it makes our Real Estate II Buyer Advantage services absolutely FREE! So whether you see a house that interests you in a newspaper, magazine, the internet, open house, another company’s yard sign, or even a ‘For Sale by Owner’ sign; call your Real Estate II agent first to get the details and arrange a showing.

4. Real-Time Market Information

Finding a home is not a passive activity. As a buyer, having real-time information about the housing market gives you a competitive advantage. Your agent will take the things you want in your new home and enter that criteria into the MLS creating a ‘flash’. At that point, whenever a home is listed that fits your criteria you will be notified immediately via email. Generally, these emails come out prior to the new listing being uploaded to the public real estate web sites giving you and your agent the chance to get in and check the house out before anybody else.

5. Getting Pre-Approved For a Mortgage

It is never too early to meet with a reputable lender and begin the process of applying for a mortgage. Our Real Estate II lending partners are the very best at what they do and have helped hundreds of our clients obtain financing tailored to their needs and goals. Pre-Approval means that a lender has obtained your credit history and documentation and determined your exact purchase price range. Not only does this mean that you can focus on the houses you can comfortably afford, it means that when you find the right property, your offer is as good as cash to the seller.

6. Current Market Trends

Your Real Estate II agent knows the local market because she lives here and works here every day. You can count on your agent to keep you informed of any changes in the purchase environment whether positive or negative. Knowing what is going on in the market allows you to make the decisions you need to make as a buyer to get the most house for your money.

7. Making an Offer

The key to remember is that the market determines the value of the property. When making an offer you will want to consider what similar houses have sold for in the past 12 months, as well as at what price other homes are currently listed. Homes in better than average condition will command a higher price than other homes in the same neighborhood. Homes in less than average condition, or cosmetically ‘dated’, will generally be purchased for less. Including an earnest money deposit with your offer is an important consideration. While earnest money is not legally required to complete a valid purchase offer, earnest money indicates to the seller that you are a serious buyer. Finally, when you find a home that is priced right, do not hesitate to make an offer. Well priced homes generally attract multiple offers and often these offers are for more than the asking price.

8. Inspections and Contingencies

Generally purchase offers are contingent on three things: the sale of one’s current home, obtaining a satisfactory appraisal and suitable financing, and physical inspections of the dwelling. Your Real Estate II agent will be happy to market your current home and is experienced in managing multiple closings and occupancy requirements. Our lending partners will have you well on your way to obtaining a mortgage prior to making an offer. That leaves the home inspection. The inspection addendum provides the buyer the opportunity to identify defects that adversely affect the habitability of the property. Problems with electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems, structural concerns, and items like the existence of radon or mold are serious concerns. If the seller can not, or will not, make necessary repairs to the property, or in some cases renegotiate the price of the property, then it is appropriate to ask to be released from the contract. Your agent will go over the standard purchase contract and inspection addendums in detail with you prior to making your first offer.

9. Contract to Closing

Real Estate II agents work with the finest lender and title professionals in the area to ensure that your purchase goes as smoothly as possible. Your agent will renegotiate all counter offers, take care of any earnest money deposits, and schedule and follow up on all inspections. Most importantly, your agent will keep you informed of where you are in the process every step of the way.

10. Our Commitment to You

At Real Estate II we never forget that you have a choice in regards to the firm you work with when buying a home. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and we pledge to never forget that we work for you. Thank you for choosing Real Estate II.