Step 1: Find a realtor
HOW TO GET STARTED:
Option 1: Want to do a soft interview with me over the phone?
Call directly or Schedule a Call with Shaina- Link to Schedule
Option 2: Confident we will work together?
Schedule A Buyer Consultation- Link to Schedule
While you wait for the consultation appointment, feel free to fill out the Buyer Survey (not required but very helpful to get things moving!)
Most people start their home buying search by looking at sites such as Realtor.com, Zillow or Trulia. That’s completely fine and understandable, but step 1 to buying a home should be to hire a Realtor to represent you.
Searching online at Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc. on your own wastes a LOT of time. A Realtor can set you up for automatic search via the MLS (Multiple Listing System). This means that you’ll be notified of all new properties matching your criteria or price reductions which now put a property in your budget. This is a HUGE time saver. And if you’re in a market like the Greater Philadelphia area where great properties sell in a matter of days, it can be an enormous advantage to be able to get in and to see a property within a day or two of it going on the market. I also offer client searches through Zenlist which includes EXCLUSIVE listings not on the MLS. It is user friendly and available as an app on your phone.
So, how do you find and pick a Realtor? Well, hopefully you’ll contact Shaina at 215-767-7150 or Shaina@MontCoLiving.com so we can see if we would be a good fit together. You need to find someone who is not only great at his or her job, but someone you like, as you’re going to be spending a lot of time with that person. You also need to determine if that person has the experience, customer service and understanding of the market that you’re looking for. Start out by noticing how quickly the Realtor responds to your initial phone call or email. If the Realtor doesn’t get back to you within a maximum of 24 hours, that’s a bad sign. This business moves fast and deals can be lost if your Realtor doesn’t respond quickly on your behalf during negotiations. If you work 9-5, do you want your Realtor to only work those same hours? Negotiation success in this market is very important, too. Work with the team that has buyer clients win on their first offer in a competitive situation. We will get you to the settlement table!
Second, interview the Realtor by asking them very specific questions. See below for recommended questions and how my answers stack up. To set up a consultation with me, click here.
Third, expect to sign a buyer representation agreement. Legally before you disclose confidential information to your Realtor, you should have a signed buyer representation agreement. That helps to insure that your Realtor will keep private information confidential.
After closing, we plant trees to offset each transactions footprints!
Questions to ask your realtor:
What do you know about me?
I thoroughly researched you on Facebook, LinkedIn and the internet before we met. Meeting you is the equivalent of going on a job interview for me. I would never show up to a job interview and not know everything I could about the company with which I’m interviewing. The same should be true of this interview. If I don’t research you before we meet the first time, how can you trust me to thoroughly research the property or sellers? Alternatively, you can find me on social media too to find out more about me!
Are you a full time Realtor?
Ye s , a b s o l u t e l y . I am available to my clients every day of the week and of course, nights and weekends. In fact, our whole team includes full time agents so that there is always coverage for showing requests.
How long have you been in real estate?
Before becoming licensed, I would spend my time helping my mom with her real estate business. I loved working open houses with her and tagging along as she showed properties to her clients. I even helped her take her business digitally. I then went off to college, graduated with honors, finished my M.A. in one year, interned with various international organizations, came home during a difficult job market and decided to go into sales, and later into marketing and management. I have been a fully licensed real estate agent since 2016 and colleagues call me a rocket for how fast I have grown. In 2019 I was elected by other real estate agents to join the Montgomery County Board of Directors for 2020-2021. I have the power and backing of my truly wonderful brokerage, eXp Realty, LLC, which is one of the top brokerages in the USA as it does the most transactions per year. eXp Realty comprises of some of the top agents in the country. They standout among real estate brokerages for their nationwide and international networks, technology, community involvement, charity work, modern transaction management, and forward-thinking marketing practices to help their clients.
Have you worked with similar buyers to my situation?
Most likely! Tell me about your situation and I will share a previous clients’ success story or pitfalls to look out for.
What areas do you primarily work?
Primarily I work in lower Montgomery County however my business and expertise takes me all over MontCo, Philly, Bucks, DelCo, and Chester. I am licensed to do business in all of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and can interview and refer you to an agent if you are looking in another state for property. Our team practices in the same areas and sometimes will cover the Poconos, Lancaster, or other areas in PA.
If you don’t have an answer to a unique situation, will you find one?
Of course. I am not afraid to say I need to get a second opinion. Every real estate deal is different and it is understandable to have a situation arise where I need to ask for advice- whether an agent is brand new or has been in the business for 20+ years he or she will have to ask for advice once in a while. Luckily for me, I have the backing of an amazing, experienced brokerage, a legal hotline, and tons of other agents and experts through my network to find the answer.
Will you be showing me homes or will your assistant?
I have two Buyer Agent specialists on my team that may also do showings. They are licensed and you are in trusted hands whether it is one of them or myself with you. I remain in contact with you throughout the entire process. It is important to have your representative present and we do not recommend putting an offer on a house we have not reviewed with you. There is always someone available to show you a property and you will not be left in the dust when one of us goes on vacation or attends family events.
Do you attend the home inspection?
Myself or one of my buyer’s agents will attend the home inspection even if my clients cannot. I urge all my clients to attend especially if it is their first home.
Do you attend the walk-through?
Absolutely. Myself or one of my Buyer Agents will attend with you. I have a checklist we go through as well.
Do you attend the closing?
Absolutely. Who knows your deal inside-out like I do? It is a milestone day for you and marks the end of this particular journey together. Plus, who else would bring the bubbly? Time to smile and celebrate what we worked hard on accomplishing!
What if I have a question after closing?
Reach out! I will still stay in contact. Send me photos of how you made your home your own, too. Those make my day! But if you use me as your agent and anyone I recommend (inspectors, lenders, title, etc), they will always be available after closing for questions. That’s part of my criteria for who stays on the recommended lists! Please come to our past client events, too! I truly love seeing everyone I work with for years to come:)
