110 REASONS TO WORK WITH THE THOMSEN TEAM

Here's a look at all the things big and small that an agent on the Thomsen Team does to help clients when Buying a home.
COUNSELING SESSION ACTIVITIES

1. Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement

2. Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state-required legal consent

to represent, if needed

3. Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS®

Code of Ethics, and the broker's business policies

BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP

4. Learn the buyer's wants and non-negotiable needs

5. Understand the buyer's budget and what will be needed financially

6. Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy

7. Consider having the buyer fill out a home buyer's checklist

8. Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend

9. Provide quality lender resources

10. Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration

11. Match the buyer's needs with available property

12. Constantly re-evaluate buyer's needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs

13. After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done, and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement

14. Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer's options are for paying it

EDUCATING THE BUYER

15. Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker's business policies

16. Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws

17. Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures

18. Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential

19. Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects

20. In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood

21. Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more about prospective neighborhoods

22. Provide the buyer with information about lead based paint

PREPARING THE BUYER

23. Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing

24. Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer

25. Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currently

receiving

26. Inform the buyer on what home features are popular

27. Identify current average days on market

28. Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values

29. Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process

PREPARING THE BUYER (Continued)

30. Indicate current listing months of market inventory

31. Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction

32. Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates

33. Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase

34. Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership

35. Prepare lender for listing agent calls

36. Assist in comparing different financing options

37. Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs

38. Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer's must-haves

39. Caution the buyer on posting information to social media

40. Review a sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer

SHOWING PROPERTIES

41. Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as they become available in their local MLS

42. Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their local

MLS and the lag time for them to appear on some websites

43. Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about through their sphere contacts

44. Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see

45. Preview properties prior to showing if needed

SHOWING PROPERTIES (Continued)

46. Network with other agents to source properties not yet in the local MLS

47. Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling

48. Set up an automated email alert & portal through the local MLS that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements

49. Suggest the buyer drives through neighborhoods of interest

50. Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest

51. Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services, schools, etc.

52. Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value

53. Collect and share any other vital information on available homes, remembering to follow all fair housing laws at all times

54. Check applicable zoning and building restrictions

55. Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information

56. Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.

57. Compare each property shown to the buyer's wants and needs list and remind them of what they were looking for

58. Help the buver narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices

NEGOTIATING OFFERS

59. Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price

60. Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to making an offer

61. Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer

62. Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace

63. Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the offer to purchase

64. Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally required disclosure forms

65. Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer

66. Help create a negotiating strategy

67. Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer

68. Prepare the buyer for a multiple-offer situation and develop negotiation strategies

69. Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted

70. Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them

71. Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available

72. Discuss financing alternatives

73. Negotiate the buyer's offers to arrive at the best price and terms

74. Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist

the buyer in being the successful offer

ADVOCATING FOR THE BUYER AND FACILITATING THE CLOSING:

75. Deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender

76. Contact the lender to ensure processing is on track

77. Record contract deadlines and reminders in tracking spreadsheet

78. Guide the buyer on meeting all contract deadlines

79. Provide weekly updates on progress and deadlines

80. Advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process

81. Encourage the buyer to fully investigate their options in terms of a home inspector, title company, appraiser, mortgage lender, and other services

82. Present a list of the types of optional inspections such as environmental, roofing, and mold

83. Review and discuss home inspection concerns

84. Negotiate repair requests from home inspection

85. Assist in coordinating communications

86. Advise the buyer to review the settlement statement

87. Inform clients that they need to transfer utilities to the new residence

88. Schedule final walkthrough

89. Accompany the buyer on the walkthrough

90. Assist the buyer in questioning the appraisal report if it affects the financing

91. Confirm clear-to-close with the lender

92. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale

ADVOCATING FOR THE BUYER AND FACILITATING THE CLOSING:

98. Remind the buyer of the location where the closingwill be hela(Continued)

94. Confirm the closing date and time, and notify parties if there are changes

95. Gather all required forms and documents for closing

96. Explain flood insurance to the buyer

97. Explain title insurance to the buyer

98. Order any surveys needed

99. Coordinate the appraisal

100. Review the title search

101. Confirm the status of the loan funding

102. Check addendums and alterations for agreed terms

103. Review the buyer's closing statement to ensure accuracy

104. Explain wire fraud risks and remind clients to verify all wiring instructions before transferring funds

105. Double-check all tax, homeowners' association dues, utility, and applicable

prorations, if relevant

106. Request final closing figures from the closing agent (often an attorney or title

company)

107. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy

108. Advise the buyer to re-key their locks

109. Review documents with the closing agent (attorney)

110. Support the buyer in any final closing activities