When folks first start house-hunting, they don’t seem to think about the cost of this service. That’s because the real estate industry doesn’t tell you! You might meet a Realtor at an open house, or know someone who’s a part-time real estate agent, or your neighbor is an agent, etc., and they all want to help you, seemingly for “free.” You need to know that it’s not free. The seller traditionally pays for your agent. Although you don’t care about the cost now, you certainly will when you want to sell your Florida home one day! Ha!

But why should you care NOW? Because a so-called “discount” agent like myself, can help you make a BETTER offer in a competitive seller’s market or in a multiple offer situation. PLUS, you may know that technology is driving some sellers to turn to FSBO (for sale by owner) websites, which is driving down commission rates. Changes with our local Stellar MLS are also causing fear among traditional, high-priced real estate agents and brokers causing them to ask for more commission from sellers, which means YOU could be paying it in the form of a higher purchase price.

The Steps to Homeownership

1 - Get Pre-Approved

Know your buying power before you shop. That’s where a lender or mortgage loan originator comes in. Even if you’re not ready right now, they will calculate your price range for you so you can start looking in that price range. I will never pressure you to go to your maximum qualification, and I actually recommend you don’t.

2 - Define Your Needs and Budget

Prioritize “must haves,” identify deal breakers, location, and financial comfort. For example, proximity to work, desired yard size, 1-story or 2-story? Remember: Just because a lender approves it doesn’t mean it’s wise.

3 - Tour Properties

Schedule showings with me and compare homes. This is your chance to evaluate how each property feels beyond the photos—and to compare what you’re getting for your budget.

4 - Make an Offer

Strategy meets opportunity—this is where the real negotiation begins.

When you’ve found the home that feels right, it’s time to make a move. Crafting an offer isn’t just about naming a price—it’s about presenting terms that make your offer attractive to the seller while still protecting your interests.

5 - Negotiations

Securing the right home is only half the battle—now it’s time to protect your interests. Once your offer is submitted, the negotiation phase begins. This is where strategy, communication, and experience truly matter. Whether it’s price, repairs, timelines, or terms, my role is to advocate fiercely and professionally on your behalf.

6 - Under Contract

Once your offer is accepted, the property goes “under contract.” This is a critical phase where we perform our due diligence to ensure the home is safe, sound, and worth what you’re paying for it. It’s time to take smart steps that protect your investment.

7 - Closing Day

After all the searching, paperwork, and preparation, closing day is when you officially become the owner of your new home. This final step involves signing legal documents, transferring funds, and receiving the keys to your future.

Your Interests Are Professionally Represented

Enlisting the services of a professional real estate buyer’s agent is similar to using an accountant to help you with your taxes, a doctor to help you with your health, or a mechanic to fix your car. If you had the time to devote to learning everything about accounting, medicine, and auto mechanics, you could do these services yourself. But who has the time? This is why you allow other professionals to help you in their specific areas of expertise. In the case of buying and selling real estate, this is a transaction people do infrequently, and there are a lot of moving parts, including federal and state laws that you must obey or be faced with steep fines.

As a full-time 1% real estate agent with a statutory responsibility to look after your best interests, I let you concentrate on what you do best (your full-time job) while I work on what I do best (my full-time job). I guide you through the home-buying process and exclusively represent your interests as we search for a home, present your contract offer, guide you, negotiate, and close on your home or investment property.

Work with ONE Real Estate Agent at a Time for the Best Result

Just as your accountant, doctor, and mechanic understand your specific needs, your buyer’s agent gets to know your real estate needs and concerns. This type of relationship is built through open communication at all times. I save you a lot of money, time, and headache as I take care of the major lifting of the transaction.

What’s a Buyer’s Agency Agreement?

I want to point out that working with you as a buyer means I’m taking time out of my work hours to help you, so if you ask me for help and I start helping you, please honor that. It’s very common in the real estate industry for buyers to work with a buyer’s broker but out of the blue make an offer on a house with a different agent. Ouch!

When you sign a Buyer’s Agency Agreement, you are simply agreeing to “hire” a personal representative who, by law, must represent your best interests to the best of his/her ability. I, like all real estate brokers, MUST represent your best interests to the best of my ability unless I am specifically told otherwise. All of this personal service is (most of the time) available at no out of pocket costs to you. Both buyer’s and seller’s agent commission is typically paid from the seller’s equity at closing.