What is an exclusive buyer’s agent?

An exclusive buyers agent is a real estate broker who represents only buyers. We never take listings because then we would be representing the seller. Therefore, we never represent sellers. Ever.

How is a buyer’s agent different than a traditional real estate agent?

Traditional real estate agents represent either a buyer or seller, depending on who they are working with at the time. In some cases, they practice dual agency, where they represent both buyer and seller. In our opinion, this does not allow them to fully represent either party as well as an exclusive agent can. Any listed piece of property is already represented by a seller's agent so we feel strongly that the buyer in the transaction should be exclusively represented by their own agent.

Will using an exclusive buyer’s agent cost me more?

It does not cost you more to use our agency on a listed property. Our fees are most often paid by the listing agent who agrees to share their compensation paid by the seller with the agency that brings a buyer to a successful closing.

What is the benefit to working with an exclusive buyer’s agent?

It is our responsibility to get the best price and best terms for our buyer clients. We help in the searching, touring of homes with you, valuation (to make sure you are not paying too much), contracting , organizing any inspections necessary, etc. all the way to closing.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve Madison and St. Clair counties in Southwestern Illinois.

Will you help me find a home outside of Madison or St. Clair county?

Yes, I do work outside of Madison and St. Clair counties. I also work in Monroe, Clinton, Macoupin and Jersey counties. If you are looking for a home outside the Southern Illinois area, I’m happy to make a referral for you.

Will you help me buy a home that is for sale by owner?

We do work with for sale by owners. The seller will need to agree to allow us to be involved and to pay us a small percentage as compensation. They usually agree to this, as we have qualified buyers to bring to them.

The Home Buying Process

Is there a benefit to getting pre-approved for a home loan?

Yes! Being pre-approved can save you a lot of time and energy by not looking at many homes that are out of your price range.  With a pre-approval, the lender has already looked at your financials and given you the go-ahead to look in a certain price range.

How much money should I save for a downpayment?

That all depends on what type of loan will work best for you. This is another reason to talk to a lender before you begin the search process, so they can guide you to the best loan product for your situation. We have several lenders that we work with that may offer different products. We can put you in touch with some to help tailor a loan that best fits your needs.

What should I consider when choosing a new town to live?

There are many factors in choosing your new home town. If you have a choice of nearby towns or cities, here are some things you should check out when researching your new location:

• Nearby schools and their ratings

• Property values

• Safety and crime statistics

• Convenient access to grocery stores, churches, pharmacies, major highways, and other places you’ll visit frequently

• Traffic patterns

Are there certain things I should say (or not say) when viewing homes?

With the explosion of cameras and surveillance, it's important to not say too much about how much you like the home because you don't want the seller to have an advantage over you if you make an offer. It's ok to be complimentary, but if you show all your cards you may lose strength at the negotiating table. On the flip side, it's important not to criticize too much, as you could not only hurt the seller's feelings, but you would be in a poor position to start negotiations if you have inadvertently insulted them.

What questions should I ask before making an offer on a home?

There are a number of questions buyers should ask, but here are a few that will come up each time: 

• Ask to see the seller’s disclosures. These are documents required by state law asking questions about the condition of the home. 

• What are comparable homes in the area selling for? 

• Have you reviewed the statistical data for the community such as crime rate, schools, etc.? 

• Is there other interest in the property? 

What should I expect during the closing process?

Closing day is when you sign all of the loan documents. It takes place at a title company which is a neutral establishment that facilitates the closing. The title company will have a handful of documents for you to sign such as transferring taxes into your name. Generally, at the closing you will sit with your Realtor, your lender and a title company representative. The lender directs you on signing the paperwork for your loan. You will need to bring in all funds required for closing. This will need to be either a cashier's check or wire transfer to the title company. The seller will be in another room where they'll sign their documents to transfer the title into your name. Once this is all completed you'll be handed the keys to your new home!