Do Buyers Really Need a Broker?
Buyer Brokers are FREE to the buyer, and will exclusively represent your interests.
We will assist you with an offer strategy, help you find pricings, prepare the offer and supporting documents, negotiate, and share all information available. If your agent is a “Dual Agent” (representing both you and the seller) they cannot provide this advice, by law. And of course if you don't have an agent, you will miss out as well.
- It costs you nothing. The seller pays the commission, whether or not you use a buyer’s broker.
- A buyer’s agent is your exclusive representative who only represents your best interests. If you arrange to see a property with a listing agent, that agent represents the seller, not you. If you choose to use the listing agent, they legally cannot give you any advice.
- A buyer’s agent works with you to get the best price on your home purchase based on their expertise on the local market, comparative research, market data and any other information they can obtain for your benefit.
- A buyer’s agent has access to properties not listed to the public. In addition, @properties agents have access to our agent app, showing pocket listings within the company not available to the public or agents from other companies.
- A buyer’s agent knows your preferences and can save time by previewing properties on your behalf, to help narrow the search.
- @properties buyer’s agents have comprehensive training in contracts and negotiating, to achieve the best possible outcome for the buyer.
- A buyer’s agent can provide independent, 3rd party resources that will aid in understanding the property and protect the buyer from the unexpected.
- Once a home is put under contract, a buyer’s agent manages the transaction and helps coordinate the steps along the way including but not limited to inspection, attorney review, financing and tracking paperwork.
- A buyer’s agent can be your advocate even after the deal has closed; they will inform you of neighborhood changes, vendor resources, and market updates.
- @properties CIRE Brokers have the best training, best marketing, best support, the most agents and is affiliated with the number one real estate company in Chicagoland with the best connections.
Buying Process
Mortgage Pre-Approval
One of the first steps towards buying a home is getting financially “pre-approved.” This process will identify the maximum sale price you are eligible to borrow. It is necessary to have when soliciting an offer.
The outcome of this process is a “pre-approval letter,” obtained by working privately with a lender. Receiving pre-approval does not obligate you to use him/her for your loan. However, during the buying process you will want to have a lender who you trust to work with you, as they can be a helpful resource.
Tips:
- Ask for the maximum price you can afford to spend on a new house. (Ask for the assumptions re property taxes, and assessments if applicable.)
- Pinpoint the amount you’re comfortable spending. Ask lender for sales price range given your objectives per month on housing expenses. (Consider mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, and assessments if applicable)
- Ask the lender, once you are ready to submit an offer, how quickly will they be able to give you a “pre-approval letter” Will you be able to reach them on the weekends as well?
- Ask for any special products / incentives that you may benefit from.
