1. Where do we start? Drive around and get a feeling for the lake and its many diverse areas. Then, meet with us for about an hour to discuss your plans, time frame, “wish list” and “must have list”. At the meeting we will also discuss how we will be working together, what options you have as a Buyer for real estate representation and how agency works in Missouri. 2. How do we get what we want? After our first meeting, and a review of our game plan, we’ll go out and preview some properties. We will have done our homework and have selected the most likely candidates. We won’t waste your valuable time looking at homes that are not suitable. It is likely that if you’ve shared with us all of your requirements and we’ve listened carefully, we will find you the right home in the afternoon. Occasionally the first day becomes a familiarization tour and it takes another day to narrow down choices. Once you’ve fallen in love with a home, we’ll help you make a decision, write up a contract on a State of Missouri approved form, negotiate the purchase, and you’ll be on your way. 3. What is a Buyer Specialist? You will have the advantage of working with one of our Buyer Specialists, which is like having your own personal shopper! Our professional team of Buyer’s Agents focuses only on Buyers and makes it a full time priority to know all of the listed properties at Lake of the Ozarks (and some unlisted ones too!) If we don’t find the home you want before you leave the Lake, (which happens sometimes), we’ll make sure you are included in our Buyer Instant Notifications System – when a new listing hits the market, you will be notified within seconds by email. We’ll make sure you have the first pick of the best properties, not the left over’s! 4. Get the Whole Picture Just a word about showings… through the Multiple Listing System (and on our website), you have access to ALL of the listed properties for sale around the Lake! Unfortunately, there are a few brokers in our area who tend to show only their company’s listings, thereby giving their Buyers only a partial picture of the market and possibly eliminating that perfect dream home for their client. We show ALL listings, regardless of who has them; and sometimes show “For Sale By Owners” and unlisted properties. In other words, we will do whatever it takes to find you what you want. 5. How do we negotiate the best deal? One of our main functions is to stay on top of where the market is and where it is going. If we are representing you, we will help you make an offer which has the best chance of succeeding and maximum benefit to you. Our specific advice will be based on years of experience and thousands of closings. But here are some general tips: · Make offers clean and simple, with the fewest contingencies possible. · Have “vision” beyond the obvious – many Buyers can’t see potential in a property that doesn’t present itself well – if you can, there may be an opportunity for you. · If you are not paying cash, pre-qualify with a local lender and submit the letter of approval with your offer. · Write a letter (or we can do it for you) to the Sellers explaining why their home is the perfect choice for you family. We’ll send it with the offer. Personalizing your offer from others can sometimes make a huge impact. 6. Financing, Title Work and Other Details Most Lake of the Ozarks Buyers secure financing through locally based Banks or Mortgage Brokers. The Buyer pays for the title insurance fees and the Closing fees, typically less than $400 are split by Buyer and Seller. 7. What will you do for us? Our goal is to exceed your expectations in every regard. We handle the big picture as well as the countless little details such as; · Ordering the appropriate inspection · Working with your lender and the appraiser to be certain your loan is approved in time · Conferring with the Title Company about hundreds of closing details and the preparation of your settlement statement · Making sure your inspection repairs are made satisfactorily · Coordinating your move and transferring utilities and ownership · Being your primary liaison to the best services and business in town for months and years after closing 8. Can we do a long distance closing? Thanks to the convenience of technology and overnight delivery, many of our closings are handled without the parties being present. We will oversee completion of inspections and appraisals, maintain day-to-day communications between the Seller, Buyer, lender and title company. We commit to remaining your primary source of information and assistance, even months or years after closing. We don’t believe our relationship is a fleeting one, but rather an opportunity to establish a lasting friendship. We know that the greatest praise we can receive for a job well done is the referrals we receive in the years that follow. |