The Importance of an Experienced Buyer’s Agent
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has recently proposed new rules regarding buyer commissions, sparking considerable discussion among real estate professionals and clients.
The proposed rules aim to maintain cooperative compensation from the seller to the buyer’s agent, provided that such compensation is offered outside the MLS. Additionally, MLS participants would be required to establish written agreements with buyers before any home tours take place.
However, these changes have led some buyers to believe they might save money by not involving a buyer’s agent, hoping to retain the portion traditionally shared with the seller’s agent. It’s worth noting that negotiating for a lower commission has always been an option for buyers. Yet, the principle of "caveat emptor" — or "buyer beware" — has never been more relevant in what is often the most significant transaction of a person's life.
In today’s information-rich era, you might question whether a buyer's agent is still necessary. While finding a home is a task that can be accomplished through various means, a full-time Realtor® serves a critical fiduciary role. This role encompasses legal obligations such as obedience, loyalty, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, care, and diligence—attributes that are crucial for navigating the complex paperwork and processes from offer to closing.
In competitive areas like the North Denver area, where multiple offers are commonplace, a dedicated buyer’s agent can significantly enhance your chances. They not only help you find properties that may not be listed publicly but also strategize to make your offer stand out. Having an experienced buyer’s agent can be a game-changer. Their deep understanding of market trends, neighborhood dynamics, and contract negotiations provides invaluable insight.
Despite the evolving real estate landscape, the role of a skilled buyer’s agent remains essential. Their expertise, advocacy, and strategic insight are invaluable assets in finding the perfect home. As you embark on your next real estate journey, partnering with a trusted advisor who prioritizes your best interests can make all the difference.
Does Your Realtor®️ Have an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation?
Westminter Realtor®️ Jennifer Stuckey recently obtained the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation from the National Association of Realtors. Jennifer is passionate about helping buyers, especially first-time home buyers. It is always so nice to see first-time buyers stop paying someone else’s mortgage. Not every realtor is the same; not every home buying journey is the same, regardless of whether it is your first home or it is your fifth house that you purchase.
This ABR designation helps realtors®️ to re-shape their skills and enhance their ability to help you in any real estate market condition.
What Jennifer Stuckey Does Different as Your Realtor®️
Jennifer is not only an expert in helping someone sell or buy their home in Westminster; she goes above and beyond to offer her clients the best value and best client experience during their real estate journey.
Here are 12 things Jennifer does differently for her buyers:
- Buyer strategy session - About 15 minutes before looking at houses, Jennifer sits down with her clients to discuss a variety of questions so she can better understand their goals and ideal home.
- Marketing: She has marketing materials to help find off-market properties for her clients, whether as door knocking or direct mailing.
- Off market: Jennifer networks with her fellow realtors who may have listings that fit your ideal home so that you can find it before it hits the market.
- Comparable market analysis: Before you make an offer, Jennifer will prepare a comparable market analysis for the property you love to ensure you are not wasting hundreds of dollars on an appraisal on a house that cannot meet your lender’s appraisal requirements.
- Save you money: Her buyers typically save anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000 when they buy a house with Jennifer.
- Winning offer: What if you do not want to overpay or get into a bidding war? No problem. Jennifer can help you buy your dream house at just the list price. One of her buyers’ offer was just at list price and they even had the contingency of having a house to sell. Even so, their offer was chosen, beating out two all cash offers. How did she do it? Terms and conditions can often be just as important as price.
- Negotiation: Jennifer is a Master Certified Negotiation Expert. This means she will negotiate for your inspection, terms, price, and even an art piece/furniture that you love to come with the house. One of her buyers did exactly that and, through her negotiations, got a painting they fell in love with at the showing included in the purchase agreement with the Seller.
- Executive summary with the offer: There are bullet points in her correspondence with the listing agent about the offer. These bullet points highlight the strengths of your offer to the seller.
- Communications: Jennifer always call the listing agent before submitting an offer to build a rapport with the listing agent and to create a win-win relationship from the beginning. This also helps make your offer strong and stand-out.
- Resources: Jennifer has trusted lender partners, local roofer, mover, and inspector who can help your transaction. They are all local small business owners. She also have a resource support system in her office, title company, and everyone on the support team is there to help you buy this house.
- Saving you time, every time: The contract is 22 pages long. You have a life and a job you need to take care of. Sometimes reading through documents with legal terms may not work in your favor. Jennifer reads through the contract or other paperwork for you to point out the paragraphs or sections you need to pay attention to first. Then you can read through the rest when you have time. Time is of the essence in the home buying transaction. Working with Jennifer can help you save unnecessarily wasted time.
- Track the paperwork: Jennifer is your transaction manager. There are several important dates when specific actions must happen before you can close on the house. She does not miss any deadlines nor do she allow other parties to miss them either. Jennifer will make sure you have loan documents, title commitment, HOA documentation, and even insurance paperwork to fulfill the contract dates and deadlines. This tracking of documents is important to make sure you are satisfied with the house you are buying and also help you gain an understanding of the neighborhood you are about to move into.
Work with Jennifer Stuckey
Working with a master negotiator and Accredited Realtor®️like Jennifer Stuckey offers an unparalleled advantage in navigating the complex realm of property transactions. With her expertise, clients can expect not only favorable deals but also a smoother and more efficient process from start to finish. Jennifer's strategic approach, honed negotiation skills, and deep industry knowledge not only ensure the best possible outcomes but also instill confidence and peace of mind in her clients.
Whether buying or selling, partnering with Jennifer Stuckey means tapping into a wealth of experience and dedication, ultimately leading to successful transactions and fulfilling real estate experiences.
Learn more on Jennifer's Westminster Colorado Buyers Guide here.
Book a quick 15 minute appointment with Jennifer here.
