When looking for a home, these procedures will really help you out and protect your interests. I am representing you as a "Single Agent" * or a "Transaction Broker"*. This is the best representation to have. We will go over these options.

The other realtor, builder's rep or builder or for sale by owner does not represent and protect you. These folks are looking out for their own best interests. Remember how you play cards; you look out for your cards, you don't show your cards and you don't want to give your cards away!

Ways to find homes:

I. Newspapers, Homes and Land and any other print marketing- call, fax or e-mail the information on the property to me. I will do all the research. I will call you back as soon as possible.

II. Signs- again, call, fax or e-mail the information.

III. Internet- Ditto!

IV. Friends, family and word of mouth, etc. - Ditto!

If you feel like you have to call the other realtor, builder or for sale by owner, you must tell him up front and first thing, "Joan Raley is representing me". This is necessary to do so that you have full representation and that we don't have legal and MLS issues (I will be glad to explain this to you).

Please do not call a For Sale by Owner. If you do, you highly risk having no representation and you will probably have to pay my commission. I have to call them first to tell them that I am representing you and to ask if they will pay my commission. If you call first they highly resent me stepping in later and you don't get the necessary representation. Most of the time they will pay the commission if I call first.

Do not look at the property with the other realtor, builder or owner because you, then, show your cards! The other folks will take all the info back to the seller: "they loved the house ... they want the house ... they are ready to buy the house ..." This erodes your negotiating power and position. You tell me how you feel about the house and it is confidential to us.

These "rules of the real estate road" will help you have a much better trip to the door of your new home! Please let me know if you have any questions! See you soon on our journey!

updated 11-Jan-2006 Indigo Wizard