As soon as you decide to buy a home you'll want to get approved for a mortgage. Knowing the status of your credit is crucial.  Your  loan approval will be based primarily on your credit rating.  There is a direct correlation between the interest rate a bank will charge you to borrow money and your credit rating.  "The lower your credit rating, the higher your interest rate/monthly mortgage payment will be"  The benefit of being approved for a mortgage  in advance  is  two-fold. Not only do you have the added comfort of knowing what you can spend before you begin your home search,  Sellers would  likely  accept your offer over buyers who are not approved. 

You will also want to hire a real estate agent to represent you. Choose someone who is knowledgeable and someone whose experience goes beyond that of "just a another realtor".   In the section below entitled What Buyer Representation Means For You, I have outlined my obligations to you as a Buyer's Agent.

Buying a home is a team effort.  If  you would like to search for homes on your own I recommend you use the Find A Home on my website.  I can arrange showings and provide additional detailed information on any home you find.  As a Realtor, I am privy to some of the best homes before they go on the market. Simply fill out the form in the Contact Yvonne  section on my website and I'll get back to you quickly with homes that meet your specific requirements.

I hope you enjoy your visit and come back soon. I am always available for assistance by telephone or email,  so please feel free to contact me any time!

WHAT BUYER REPRESENTATION MEANS FOR YOU 

Unless disclosed to the contrary, a real estate agent who has a property listed, will always represent the Seller.  When you purchase a home, it is strongly recommended that you work with an agent who will represent You.  The Seller pays real estate commissions. In practice, the listing agent  will almost always split the commission with the Buyer's agent.  Because agents share commissions, having a Buyers agent is almost always at no additional cost to You. 

My Professional Buyer Services include but is not limited to the following:  to take advantage of my services, the State of Georgia mandates that you have a formal agreement (Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement) signed with me:

• Represent YOUR interests, serving as your advocate in the transaction, exclusively.
• Guide you through the home buying process explaining each step.
• Arrange property showings of homes that meet your needs and wants.
• Only show you homes that are in your price range. I will not waste your time
• Locate and show properties pointing out known strengths and weaknesses.
• Expose you to ALL types residential  properties for sale, including homes For Sale by Owner.
• Work with you to develop negotiating strategies for the best price, terms and conditions. 
• Prepare a Comparative Marketing Analysis to help you determine a fair market value and decide what price to offer the Seller for your selected property.
• Pass on information that may enhance your bargaining position in the transaction.
• Disclose all known material facts about the property (i.e., leaky roof, plumbing problem,)
• Assist in writing the offer to purchase with your best interests in mind.
• Review all forms and agreements (i.e., seller's property disclosure, lender's good faith estimates, mortgage terms, inspection reports, offers and counter offers)
• Communicate with you promptly and often. Be responsive to your calls and emails.
• Assist you in closing the transaction. Attend the closing/settlement
• Provide guidance and counsel throughout the transaction.
• Keep your bargaining and financial position confidential unless required to make a disclosure by law, or authorized by you

Once I find your dream home, I will track and handle many of the day-to-day activities required to get to closing (i.e., helping you find a lender, tracking the progress of the loan, working with the closing attorney or agent, helping you find a reputable home inspector)

After the closing I will contact you to follow up on any details that may need my attention or questions you may have. I want to make sure you are pleased with my services long after the purchase has been completed so that in the event you have friends or family members in need of real estate services, you will not hesitate to refer me. I am always available for assistance, so feel free to contact me anytime. I welcome the opportunity to show you what I can do.