What to Do

Once someone decides that they want to buy real estate that's when the real work begins.  They need to decide who they want to both help them and represent them, two completely different issues, both equally important.  They need to decide what their parameters are, when they want to move, where they want to move to, what they want to move into and of course how much do they want to spend.  The problem is, especially in California is what someone wants and what someone can get are two different things, buyers often have to be willing to make concessions.

Then a buyer needs to seek the help of a full time knowledgeable, experienced agent that will hold their hands and be an advisor through the entire process.  An agent should be interviewed just like it's for a job, because guess what, it is and the best part of hiring an agent as a buyer, it's free.  Once an agent is hired there needs to be a commitment from both sides it's a partnership.  With the advances of the internet and the direction of the market in the majority of the last decade there are way too many potential buyers are running around without professional counseling.

What to Know

There are two sides of real estate, selling and buying and they are completely different, and representing clients on either side requires totally different skills.

Buyers need their own representation and even though an agent representing both sides is perfectly legal it is risky business and potential buyers should be aware of the risks.  Some buyers just don't know but again both the availability of information on the internet and the climate of the current market has created a situation where some buyers feel it may be to their advantage to use the listing agent when trying to buy real estate.  Guess what?  That buyer is not their client they are someone that may become a pawn for the sellers and the listing agents' means.

When a buyer meets a listing agent on an open house or from a phone call on an ad and they tell them that they can get the buyer a better deal if they use them few realize what just happened.  That agent just unethically compromised their client the seller, and the buyer can be assured that that type of agent won't think twice to do the same thing to them as a buyer.  Interview an agent, commit to them, bond with them and trust them, and be honest with them, the more information a good agent has the better job they can do.

There is a lot more to buying real estate than the price.  Real estate is an investment and it is risky even in California.  Finally a few tips for buyers once they get serious.  Go to as many open houses so you can to track the market and learn what you want and like.  Read the disclosures don't let an agent summarize what's in them.  Get independent inspections when possible don't assume everything is fine.  A roof inspection, a termite/pest control and a general home inspection are a must but if there's a fireplace, pool, foundation issue or something special get an inspection.

What We Do

Once we are interviewed and hired to be a buyers agent we are totally committed consultants and advisors.  We help our clients through the pre approval and loan process making sure that they get the loan that fits best.  We enter our clients, parameters into our website that sends the updates of the newest listings instantly.  We preview and show properties to buyers that fit the parameters 7 days a week.  Once we find the property and you agree we negotiate and guide you through the process like we were buying the property for ourselves.   Any inspector or trades people that we recommend are respected professionals in the industry.  We give our clients all of the information, good or bad, so they can make an informed decision.  Whether someone's an investor, relocating or a fragile first time buyer it's an important decision and we try to help our clients make good one so they become clients for life.