We love working with home-buyers! Whether you’re searching for your first forever home, an established investor, or anything in between, we have your best interests in mind. Curious what the process is like with Sarah Bernard Realty Team on your side? Read on for a start-to-finish look at our Exclusive Buyer Program!
Step One: Finding the Right Fit
The first step in our journey together is assigning you an exclusive agent based on your previous relationship with our team and/or the agent’s particular expertise and market knowledge. Here at SBRT, we have a team of agents with backgrounds in a range of real estate niches, including first-time home buying, residential construction, lending, titling, and more! Click here to read more about the Sarah Bernard Realty Team.
Step Two: Getting to Know Each Other
Next, we’ll schedule a meeting to discuss all of your dreams for the new home including budget, neighborhood, architectural preferences, etc. This will help us get the best picture of your dream home, and allow us to find options that fit your specific set of requirements! While this meeting usually takes place at our office, we’re happy to schedule a phone or Skype call if you are not in town. This is also when we will discuss lender choices and/or recommend lenders that work well with our buyers.*
*Selecting the right mortgage lender is crucial! Choosing the wrong lender can result in higher interest rates, closing day delays, and more. Your agent will walk you through the entire “pre-approval” process, and help you find the best mortgage lender for you.
Step Three: Buyer Agency Agreement
Simply put, we represent you, the buyer, not the seller, at all times throughout the process. Your agent will now present you with a Buyer Agency Agreement, a document required by the Missouri Real Estate Commission that reinforces just that. Upon signing, our buyers become our first priority, receiving daily/weekly updates on their home search. Your search can be put on hold at any time.
Step Four: Home Visits
Now for the fun part! Your agent will show you a variety of homes meeting your search criteria, scheduling visits as often as needed. While visits may include “For Sale By Owner” properties, your agent will negotiate with the home seller on your behalf to assure you the best possible representation. We encourage you to keep an open mind! Your agent may “stretch” you somewhat beyond your criteria depending on available inventory.
Step Five: Contract Creation
Once you’ve found the perfect home, we will write the contract for you and negotiate the terms on your behalf using our real estate expertise.
Step Six: Final Details
After successful negotiation of the contract, our team will guide you through the final phases of the home buying process. Our Closing Team will do all the legwork for you, making sure all documents are titled and processed properly and efficiently. Your agent will assist you in scheduling and attending home inspections, coordinating any repairs needed, and working with your lender to be sure that the timeline is progressing as planned.
Step Seven: Closing
We will be with you to the end to make sure that the final walkthrough is successful, that closing happens as directed, and that you get settled into your new home!
Step Eight: After The Sale
Your Realtor and the entire Sarah Bernard Realty Team is always available, free of charge, to answer any questions and to help you navigate your new home and community. We aim to be your Realtor for life and welcome a continued relationship. As our exclusive clients, you’ll also be invited to our many annual events and client appreciation parties, receive access to notary and fax services and you can even use our RedKey limo when available. We’re here for you and welcome your continued business and valued friendship.
Those are steps 1-8 in SBRT’s Exclusive Buyer Program. Are you ready to start the home buying process? We’d love to hear from you!