Why use Home Avenue to purchase your next home?
Do’s and Don’ts of Home Buying
-
Work with agents who have experience
Home Avenue Agents DO:
Home Avenue agents have an average of 15 years of experience representing buyers. Protecting the best interests of a buyer cannot be learned in a classroom. It takes years of real world experience. You can trust our agents to be there for you from showings to closing.Our Service Includes:
- Real time new listings sent to your email
-Quick response to showing requests
- Property pricing analysis
- Expert negotiation
- Drafting of all Purchase Agreement documents
- Recommend qualified inspectors and contractors
- Review the inspection report with you and advise
- Work with the closer and lender to ensure a smooth and successful closing.How You Benefit:
You avoid the potential pitfalls of working with less experienced agents -
Request that the seller pay your buyer broker fee
Home Avenue Agents DO:
Today, all buyers are required to sign a Buyer Representation Contract prior to the first showing. The Contract states the amount of compensation that the buyer will pay their agent for representation. Home Avenue will always ask the seller to pay the buyer representation fee on your behalf. Depending on the amount that the seller pays, you could receive up to .5% of the sale price rebated to you at closing. This can add up to thousands of dollars.Our Service Includes:
- Real time new listings sent to your email
-Quick response to showing requests
- Property pricing analysis
- Expert negotiation
- Drafting of all Purchase Agreement documents
- Recommend qualified inspectors and contractors
- Review the inspection report with you and advise
- Work with the closer and lender to ensure a smooth and successful closing.How You Benefit:
You can receive up to $10,000 paid towards your closing costs or a check after closing. Note: Rebate is only applicable if seller pays 2.5% or more commission to Home Avenue upon a successful sale. Ask your Home Avenue agent for details. -
Work with agents who “skip homes.”
Home Avenue Agents DON'T:
Some agents/brokerages include a clause in their agreements that asks if you want to skip homes that don’t offer upfront compensation. This is simply a way for them to unfairly discriminate against sellers who don’t engage in price-fixing buyer brokerage fees. There is no reason to skip homes, because any offer you write will likely include a request for a seller credit to pay for your buyer representation fees. Many sellers may not offer compensation upfront, but that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate it into the Purchase Agreement.Our Service Includes:
- Real time new listings sent to your email
-Quick response to showing requests
- Property pricing analysis
- Expert negotiation
- Drafting of all Purchase Agreement documents
- Recommend qualified inspectors and contractors
- Review the inspection report with you and advise
- Work with the closer and lender to ensure a smooth and successful closing.How You Benefit:
If a buyer agent skips homes just because the seller does not advertise a fee, you could miss out on many great options. Home Avenue agents will show you any home on the market - we never "skip" homes.
FAQ's - NEGOTIATING WRITTEN BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENTS
When will I be able to negotiate?
Written buyer agreements are required for many real estate professionals before you tour a home with them, either in-person or a live virtual tour. These agreements help ensure both you and your agent are clear about roles, responsibilities, and agent compensation. If you are simply visiting an open house on your own or asking a real estate professional about their services, you do not need to sign a written buyer agreement.
What can I negotiate?
Agreements with your agent are negotiable, including terms about the services your agent will provide, how much your agent will be paid, how long your agreement will last, and more. You and your agent will work together to reach an acceptable agreement that allows you to get the value and services you need in the homebuying process, while also enabling your agent to pursue fair compensation for their work. Remember: compensation is fully negotiable and not set by law. You should consult an attorney if you have any questions or concerns regarding an agreement.
How is my agent compensated?
Agent compensation can take many forms, such as a flat fee, a percentage of the purchase price, or an hourly fee. Agents cannot agree to an open-ended amount or range of compensation such as “the agent’s compensation will be whatever amount the seller is offering” or “between X and Y percent.” You can also ask the seller to offer compensation to your agent, which can be sought in the purchase agreement.
What types of services can my agent provide?
Agents may offer many types of services such as f inding and showing you homes that meet your criteria, accompanying you to showings, sharing their analysis of available properties, negotiating on your behalf, and more.
How do I start the conversation?
You may want to talk to a few agents to find the best match to help you on your homebuying journey. Start by asking questions about the options available to you. If you are working with a REALTOR, they are bound by a Code of Ethics to have open and transparent conversations with you about your options.
What if we can’t agree?
You don’t have to sign an agreement that you don’t agree with, and you or the agent can walk away from a negotiation at any time. Keep looking for the right fit—another agent may be able to better meet your needs.
Can we change the terms of the agreement after we make it?
Yes. You and your agent can mutually agree to change the terms of your agreement. But your agreement and/or state law may govern when it can be changed or terminated. Read your agreement closely and speak with your agent if you would like to change or exit your agreement.