When we first get a phone call from buyers house hunting, they are more likely than not ready to get to the houses they have found online and start actually looking. They have been online searching and have already crossed homes or towns off of their list and added others. This is why we tell sellers their first showing is online. We almost feel a little bad when we have to ask buyers to take a step back a little bit so we can introduce them to the full process of buying a home so we can make the searching and purchasing steps as smooth and successful as possible. 

This may be a drag, but it’s important that we insure 3 things:

1. Buyers aren’t wasting their time and energy focused on a house that’s out of their price range and out of their comfort range of what they can afford monthly. (For details, please read this blog.)

2. Buyers understand our role as their Buyer’s Agent or Disclosed Dual Agent and how we work diligently to find them the right house to call home so we may ultimately earn compensation.

3. Buyers are aware to have representation from a real estate attorney who practices in the area, a reputable home inspector to thoroughly perform a home inspection and offer advice, and to be prepared that things will come up, but its okay. Buyers are encouraged to use anyone they know or have been recommended from friends and family, or to interview from a list of names Bob and I provide.

We cover the first point in a separate blog. Let’s discuss the second point.

Many real estate agents in the Bloomfield, Maplewood, Montclair, South Orange and West Orange, New Jersey area aren’t always forthright about thoroughly reviewing how the buying process works, how they are loyally working tirelessly for their buyers and really need their buyers to be loyal to them.

In addition to reviewing the legally required Consumer Information Statement (CIS) form that explains the four types of agency relationships practiced in New Jersey,we also like to review the below information with all buyers. This help them to understand the business side of the home-buying process and gives us an opportunity to have a open dialogue so everyone is on the same page.

Important Advice on Working with New Jersey Realtors® Bev and Bob Meaux

Home buyers, particularly first-time buyers and those coming from other states or other countries, should be aware of some important market practices as they embark on their search for a home with the help of a licensed real estate professional.

Real estate agents and Realtors® (Sales Associates, Salespersons, Broker-Salespersons) are not salaried people; their financial reward only comes as commission from the successful completion of a transaction (a sale or purchase of a house/real estate property). No Sale/Puchase = No Income. Yet they are investing their time and efforts in helping buyers reach their goal. Therefore, loyalty to one Realtor® or team is appreciated and, more importantly, will pay off for you, the Buyer. Once you feel comfortable with a Realtor®, a consistent working relationship develops which allows the Realtor® to optimize his/her thorough knowledge of your particular requirements to deliver the best possible professional service.

To maintain that consistent relationship, here are a few helpful pointers:

• If you have already established a relationship with another Real Estate Agent within this or another brokerage firm, kindly let us know and we will refer you back to that person. If this is not the case, we will be happy to be your Buyer’s Agents or Disclosed Dual Agents.
  

• If you see a For Sale sign, a house advertised in any media, including the internet, and you would like to see it, call or email either one of us [Beverly and Robert (Bob) Meaux] and one of us will gather all of the information and show it to you. In New Jersey, almost all properties for sale are listed on a multiple listing system, which means they can be shown and sold to you by any licensed brokerage firm [like Towne Realty Group, LLC.], not just by the one that is listing and/or advertising the house.

• If you drive by an Open House and want to see it, you should be all means go in: however, be sure to tell the real estate agent who is conducting the Open House that you are working with us [Beverly and Robert (Bob) Meaux] as your Buyer’s Agents and sign in one of our names, not yours, regardless of what the real estate agent says, and let him/her know one of us would represent you in the transaction. You can also just leave one of our business cards.

• If you see an attractive For Sale By Owner house, take down the phone number and address and one of us [Beverly and Robert (Bob) Meaux] will inquire about all the details on your behalf. As Realtors®, we handle all of the details of whichever house you decide to purchase, from contract to closing, which you may miss in a direct transaction with an owner.

• You will find that you are most effectively helped by working with one and the same Realtor® or team for a specific geographic area, town or cluster of towns. If your search will take you beyond our reach, we will refer you to an appropriate Realtor® in the other area(s).
  

If you do not initially allow one of us to take you in to see a house or alert the real estate agent at an Open House that you are working with us, we may not be able to help you purchase that particular house and therefore earn any commission/pay

I hope this helps explain how Bob and I support buyers through the home buying process in the New Jersey area and look forward to working with you to find the perfect house to call home.

Contact us any time. As we always say, an educated consumer is our best client and partner.