Buyer FAQs
Can you show me other offices' listings?
Yes! We can show you any listed property located in Vermont, no matter whose name is on the sign.
What if a property isn’t listed?
If we are representing you a buyer client, we can also show you houses that are For Sale by Owner. Ask us for more information about this option.
What is a Buyer Representative?
A Buyer Representative works solely for you and has no legal or other responsibilities to the seller. A buyer representative will help you negotiate for your best price and terms. You are not a buyer client until you have signed a buyer brokerage agreement. More About Agency Relationships.
What is a Multiple Listing Service?
A Multiple Listing Service is an on-line database of real estate listings which can only be accessed by REALTORS and appraisers that subscribe to it. It pools all of the area listings so that you don’t have to work with multiple offices to find your home. Because we have access to this information, your agent will be showing you properties listed by all different offices. Our area is actually served by two different Multiple Listing Services, and we’ve made the investment to subscribe to both in order to bring you the best service possible… don’t miss out on your dream home by using an agent that only subscribes to one service!
What is The Goodwill Project?
The Goodwill Project is a program that we started in order to give back to the community. At closing, we will donate 5% of our commission to a local non-profit organization of your choice.
Why should I get Pre-approved?
An offer that includes a financing pre-approval is more attractive to a seller than one without. Also, being pre-approved means that you know what price range you can purchase in, and you won’t have to scramble to gather all the necessary documents to apply for financing during the busy under contract period of a sale. And, if something pops up on your credit report that needs to be addressed, it’s better to know ahead of time so that you can be taking steps to repair your credit, instead of falling in love with a home and then finding out that you don’t qualify for the financing.
Why should I work with one agent?
When you work with one agent, they will get to know your likes and dislikes and will be able to fine tune your property search, saving you time. Also, when you show loyalty to one agent, they will know that you are a serious buyer… an agent who sends you information on a listing, only to hear that you are going to see that property with someone else, is eventually going to stop sending you listings.
Once I find a house, how soon can I move in?
The closing date will be determined during the negotiations and may vary depending on how long the seller needs to relocate, whether you need to secure financing, and how long it takes to satisfy any contingencies that are in the contract. You will take possession of the home at the closing unless otherwise agreed in the contract. If there are no inspections and it is a cash sale, you might close in as soon as 2 weeks. A more typical closing would be in 8-10 weeks.
Do I need an attorney?
Yes, you will need to engage an attorney to do the title search on your behalf and to prepare a variety of tax and financial statements. If you are working with a bank, their attorney may do the title search, but it is important to realize that they would be working in the bank’s best interest – not necessarily yours. Few banks have attorneys in a transaction.
If you aren’t representing me, who are you representing?
If the property is listed with our office, we are representing the seller directly. If the property is listed with another office, we are representing that office. Remember that even if we are not representing you, we are required to disclose any material facts about the property and will be fair and not knowingly distribute inaccurate formation about the property to you. More about Agency Relationships.
