Buyer's Agents Cost You Nothing
And Can Save You Thousands!

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Sharon Stevens is Ranked in
Top 3% of Realtors Nationwide



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Buying a home is a

big decision and a personal one.

You need the right person to find a home that suits your needs.

St. Augustine Home Buyer Resources How often do you purchase real estate? Once, twice, three times in your lifetime? So you can hardly be expected to know all the ins and outs of sucha a major transaction complicated by so many details. In most transactions, sellers are represented by a listing agent who minds these details and their client's best interests. As a buyer, don't you also want complete and fair representation in your real estate transaction? Real estatae buyer's representatives are responsible for protecting the best interests of their clients--buyers like you--and can guide you through every step of the process. So the first step, and perhaps the most important, is finding your buyer's representative.

What Is A Buyer's Representative?

Defined most simply, a buyer's representative (or buyer's agent) is an advocate for the buyer in a real estate transaction. Buyer's representatives owe full fiduciary (legal) duties, including loyalty and confidentiality, to their buyer-clients and keep their best interests in mind through the entire transaction.

Why Should I Use A Buyer's Representative?

The two most important reasons to use a buyer's representative are protection and efficiency.

Most likely, the seller of whatever property you buy will be represented by a listing agent who can provide expertise throughout the transaction. Don't you want the same kind of service as a buyer? A buyer's representative can provide you with the expertise you need through the entire transaction.

St. Augustine Realtor, Sharon Stevens, NorthFloridaHomeSearch.Com LLC According to NAR (National Association of Realtors®), buyers who work with a buyer's representative also find their homes quicker, while viewing more properties in their search, than buyer's who do not engage a buyer's representative.

Choose a REALTOR® Who Is An ABR

A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR is the world's largest professional association. Since members must subscribe to NAR's strict Code Of Ethics, you can be confident that you will be treated fairly and with respect. REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark, and only members of NAR may use it.

A REALTOR® with the ABR designation has taken Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) training, specialized education offered by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC). In addition to knowing the dynamics of the local market, REALTORS® with the ABR designation also understand the special needs of buyers. They have the experience to provide the service you need and will help you make informed decisions through the entire process that will lead to a successful home purchase.

50 Reasons To Use A Buyer's Agent

1. Analysis of your real estate needs and determine housing criteria.

2. Research properties.

3. Send you listings that match your needs.

4. Provide information pertaining to your move or relocation and short-term stay options.

5. Educate you about home buying expenses.

6. Provide information on market conditions, schools, communities, employment, and more.

7. Discuss your financing needs.

8. Recommend qualified mortgage brokers.

9. Make appointments and show properties.

10. Provide timely and professional disclosure and research.

11. In car review: pros and cons of each property.

12. Point out "Hot Buttons" while showing.

13. Help with loan application questions.

14. Follow up with loan application with your selected mortgage broker.

Buying a Home in St. Augustine 15. Help cleaning up your credit if needed.

16. Analyze purchasing timeline and needs once property is located.

17. Free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of a property in order to make an educated offer.

18. Call listing agent to get seller disclosures.

19. Draft the offer and prepare paperwork.

20. Research tax records.

21. Get information on utilities.

22. Explain all paperwork before signing.

23. Generate net sheet.

24. Write offer, collect, deposit escrow and provide verification to listing agent.

25. Submit contract and follow up.

26. Negotiate contract until mutually agreeable.

27. Review and explain final contract.

28. Send the title company and mortgage lender the executed contract.

29. Schedule and attend the home inspection.

30. Schedule and attend the WDO (termite) inspection.

31. Recommend insurance agents to you.

32. Verify loan process has begun.

33. Review home inspection findings with you.

34. Re-negotiate repairs if needed.

35. Order survey/ appraisal

36. Assist to meet finance deadline

37. Monitor contingencies - financing, inspections, repairs, etc

38. Check on homeowners insurance

39. Verify that the title agency has all necessary documentations.

40. Follow up with lender on all aspects of closing process.

41. Schedule closing: time and place.

42. Review HUD (closing statement).

43. Perform a final walk-thru.

44. Determine the funds to be brought to closing.

45. Coordinate between lenders and title company to determine amount needed.

46. Release escrow to title company.

47. Explain everything needed at closing.

48. Attend your closing.

49. Give you the keys to your new home!

50. Follow up after closing - homestead info and insuring that everything is going fine in your new home!

What's a CRS?

The Certified Residential Specialist or CRS is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Currently, there are more than 39,000 active CRS Designees, which is less than four percent of Realtors and less than one percent of licensed real estate salespersons and brokers.

Why Hire a CRS?

Experience - To earn the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation, every Realtor must have significant experience and demonstrate volume of real estate transactions or gross sales, as well as complete rigorous educational requirements.

Ethics - Every CRS designee is required to maintain membership in the National Association of Realtors® and to abide by its strict sub-header of Ethics.

Technology Expertise - The training available to CRS designees includes a strong focus on technology and its applications in the real estate business.

The Top 4 Percent - Less than 4 percent of all licensed Realtors® are Certified Residential Specialists.

"To leave satisfied you must arrive prepared."

Consider this your home buyer’s toolkit. Open it up, take a look around, and if you like, start equipping yourself with the tools necessary to make your best purchase. In most businesses, knowledge equals power, and real estate is certainly no exception.

I hope you enjoy the free reports I’ve provided, and I hope you learn a little more about what it takes to make your important purchase a great one.

The real estate market in St. Augustine is certainly volatile, and all of the information about buying a home can be overwhelming. I can help.

When you're ready to act, contact me.

I fight on behalf of my buyers.
I negotiate the absolute best price.
I protect you.
I simplify your transaction for you as much as possible.

I look forward to working with you.

Thanks for stopping by,
Sharon

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