Buy

Selecting a buyer's agent

Ethics above all else

MY GOAL

To help you find the right home, at the right price, and under the best terms for you as the buyer.

BUYER AGENCY

As a buyer's agent, I am going to represent your interests. Not the seller's. And often not my own. I have a fiduciary responsibility to protect your interests, and if you use me, that is what you can expect, and that is what you will get.

What does this mean in practice? Your interests in buying a home usually carry aspects of confidentiality and advocacy. You want to pay the lowest possible price. You want the best terms from the contract that favor your timing, and your pocketbook. You are not against the seller, but your interests frequently will be the opposite of those pursued by the seller.

Example: Price. You want a low price. The seller wants a high price. My goal as YOUR agent is to look for a way to pay less. That could mean utilizing comparable sales to submit with your offer that portray your offering price in the best light and show that the asking price is higher than it should be based on the market. Or it could mean trying to find out information about the seller that would favor your cause. For example a relocation sale where the seller is pressed for time. Or an estate sale where the heirs seek an expedited transfer. Or a divorce or bankruptcy or pending foreclosure that might mean that the seller will have unusual motivation and might take less money than would otherwise be the case.

Example: Condition. When we are touring and looking at your potential next home, my job is to look for trouble. Trouble meaning deferred maintenance, structural problems, mold, older systems nearing the end of their economic life, etc. While I am not a home inspector, 35 years of looking at homes critically as an agent and an appraiser has given me some expertise that I will put to work to defend your interests.

There are many scenarios like this, so give me a call so we can discuss it.

The bottom line is that I am representing your interests, and trying to find you the best deal. That could also mean advising you against buying a particular home because there are too many red flags.

If that seems to go against the principle that I as an agent will not make money if I don't sell you a house, that is actually not correct. I make the most money if you are happy with my service and recommend me to your family and friends. I make the least money if you end up deciding you got a bad deal after closing on a home that I helped you buy that doesn't turn out to be a good home.

MY PHILOSOPHY

Each agency is entered into as a partnership. My number one concern is to help you find and buy a home that you dream of, as long as it is structurally sound and safe and priced right in the current market.

BUYER FAQ

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: Since 1986. I started as an appraiser, and expanded to being a real estate agent in 2003. I have appraised thousands of homes in northern NJ, New York State, and New York City over the years. Some of my listings and sales are shown on my home page.

Q: What makes you a particular good buyer's agent?

A: Knowledge and experience. After being involved in so many transactions over the years, I am aware of all the common pitfalls and traps. Especially with respect to price and condition. When you are deciding on a home and an offering price, I will provide you with all the detailed information you need to make an informed and confident decision. I will never talk you into anything, you will determine what you want to pay, not me. My job is to give you the information, you will decide what to do with that information and how to proceed.

Q: Where do you work as a buyer's agent?

A: Morris County, primarily. I can also work in other counties depending upon your price range, but I really try to concentrate on areas I know well.

Q: Who do you represent in a real estate transaction?

A: As a buyer's agent I represent you, and only you. I avoid dual agency wherever possible because it is not possible to represent both sides of a real estate transaction and remain an advocate for each party's interests.

Q: Do you offer a buyer's rebate?

A: Most often yes. The amount is negotiable. In Roxbury Twp, for example, the typical homes sells for $340,000. On a home in that price range, my buyer rebate would range from $1,000 to $2,000. That will, most of the time, end up paying for your home inspection and/or attorney's fees. If you are selling your home with me, and buying another property with me as your buyer's agent, I would offer an even higher rebate.