Why Use a Realtor®?

All of Breckenridge Associates Real Estate 15 Broker/Partners are certified REALTORS®.

Before selecting a broker to represent you as a buyer, you should know not every real estate agent or broker is a REALTOR®. This term and the familiar Block “R” logo are trademarked by the National Association of REALTORS® and can only be used by those are REALTOR® members through their local association of REALTORS®.

All REALTORS® are state-issued licensees as agents or brokers, but the major difference between a “real estate licensee” and a REALTOR® is that REALTORS® have taken an oath to subscribe to a stringent, enforceable Code of Ethics with Standards of Practice that promote the fair, ethical and honest treatment of all parties in a transaction. Non-member licensees have taken no such oath and are not morally bound to the ethical practices and principles set for in the REALTOR® Code. For that extra measure of peace of mind, ensure the individual seeking to represent you is both a real estate licensee and a REALTOR®.

The Critical Role of the REALTOR® Representing the Buyer
Following are the full-service actions, steps and processes that are typically provided by a Breckenridge Associates Real Estate REALTOR®, when representing you as the buyer.

The Property Search Process
Meet with buyers and determine what they’re looking for in their home purchase
2.)   Research MLS properties that meets buyers’ search criteria requirements
3.)   Schedule ongoing showings and market updates with buyers
4.)   Keep buyers informed on an ongoing basis as new properties become available
5.)   Assist buyer with and/or recommend pre-qualification contractors/Loan Officer 
       contact and obtain prequalification documentation. Same may apply for Credit
       Reports.

The Offer and Contract
6.)   Represent and Coordinate Offer to Purchase contracts submitted to sellers’ agent
7.)   Evaluate offer(s) with buyer and present to sellers’ agent
8.)   Counsel buyer on offers, explain merits and weakness of each component of
       offer(s)
9.)   Review Seller’s Disclosure with buyer prior to offer if possible
10.) Review buyer’s qualifications with sellers’ agents and discuss offer
11.) Negotiate all offers on buyer’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing
       date
12.) Prepare and convey any counteroffers, or amendments to sellers’ agent
13.) Work with sellers’ agent to obtain contract and all addendums to ensure they deliver
       to closing attorney or title company
14.) Coordinate receipt of Offer to Purchase Contract once signed by seller and then    
       buyer. Provide copies to appropriate parties (lender, title company, etc.)
15.) Coordinate buyer's earnest money with sellers’ agent for escrow account
16.) Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed
17.) Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
18.) Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates
19.) Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
20.) Order septic system inspection if applicable
21.) Coordinate with sellers’ agent to receive and review septic system report and
       assess any possible impact on sale
22.) Coordinate with sellers’ agent to receive Well Flow Test Report copies
23.) Verify termite inspection ordered
24.) Verify mold inspection ordered if required

Tracking the Loan Process
25.) Confirm Verifications Of Deposit and Buyer's Employment Have Been Returned
26.) Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter
27.) Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
28.) Relay final approval of buyer's loan application to seller

Home Inspection
29.) Coordinate buyer's professional home inspection with seller
30.) Review home inspector's report
31.) Explain sellers’ responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses
       in the contract
32.) Work with sellers’ agent to ensure compliance with Home Inspection Clause
       requirements
33.) Work with sellers’ agent to identify and negotiate required repairs
34.) Oversee completion of all required repairs

The Appraisal
35.) Schedule Appraisal with contractor and sellers’ agent
36.) Follow-Up and deliver Appraisal
37.) Assist buyer in review of Appraisal, involve lender

Closing Preparations and Duties
38.) Contract Is Signed By All Parties
39.) Coordinate closing process with sellers’ agent and lender
40.) Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
41.) Select location where closing will be held
42.) Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties
43.) Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in
       obtaining Death Certificates
44.) Work with sellers’ agent in scheduling and conducting buyer's Final Walk-Thru prior
        to closing
45.) Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
46.) Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)
47.) Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
48.) Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
49.) Coordinate receipt of title insurance commitment with sellers’ agent
50.) Obtain "Home Owners Warranty" for availability at closing from sellers’ agent
51.) Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
52.) Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent
53.) Have a "no surprises" closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing

Follow Up After Closing
54.) Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if 
       requested
55.) Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
56.) Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required