Emerald Isle Homes for Sale NC A Buyers Agent

Some of you know me as the co-owner of Flip Flops Donuts and some of you recognize me as your broker of real estate specializing in waterfront and water view properties along the Crystal Coast, especially in my town of Emerald Isle, NC. Just the other day I began working with a first time homebuyer, Sheila. Nothing unusual you might think. Until it was. You see, Sheila told me this was her FIRST home buying experience. However, since she is middle aged, and a veteran, I assumed she knew something about how the home buying process worked.

So much for me being a good listener. And, it was this experience that inspired me to compose this blog to give first time homebuyers insights into how the home buying process really works. And, it doesn’t work like the ads on TV. Getting back to Sheila, she contacted me after looking at homes on Zillow and Truila and REALTOR.com. That’s perfectly normal. After all, when we want information, whether about clothing, food, a car or a home, the internet is the first place we all go to gather that information. When you are gathering information, you are in what I call Phase ONE of the buying cycle. And, that was where I thought Sheila was when she sent me the email asking for more information about 423 Eagle Road.” Reading the phrase “requesting more information” reinforced my assumption that Sheila was firmly entrenched in Phase ONE of the buying cycle. And, Phase ONE is decidedly low urgency. Back burner.

Two days later, Sheila and I meet and Sheila tells me that she and her husband are scheduled to see 423 Eagle Road on Saturday. Apparently, without me. Whoa! That told me a couple of things. First, that Sheila had moved into what I call Phase TWO of the buying cycle. And since Phase TWO is high urgency, front burner, I immediately went to the listing to get a showing scheduled. I discovered that the seller had accepted an offer earlier that day. And, while some agents allow showings of a listing that is under contract, this agent does not. Well, Sheila’s husband would have none of that. He had fallen head over heels with the property and he was going to see that property. I could see this relationship spiraling out of control before it even got started. So, I called the agent and he confirmed what I already knew. There would be no more showings.

And, second, this was as good a time as any to “sit down” with Sheila and her husband and describe some of the home buying process and my role in that process. I didn’t spend much time on Phase ONE as buyers in Phase ONE don’t think they need a real estate agent and I agree. But, when Sheila or anyone else moves into Phase TWO, this is where the proverbial rubber meets the road and home buyers need the services of a real estate agent, like me.

I understand the reticence first time home buyers have with working with an agent. Sometimes the hesitancy is about the cost. When you contact a lawyer or speak to your physician, you pay for that time, directly. And, yes, I am compensated for my time, but from a buyer’s perspective it is indirect. You, as the buyer, do not pay me. For bringing a buyer to closing, I am compensated by the seller.

Sometimes the hesitancy is about what I do. As an agent, I do more than simply open a door for you. I represent your interests. Whatever you tell me about your budget, your credit score, your dream home, etc., stays with me. And, when it comes time to negotiate a sale price, I use that information and more to your benefit. Once your offer is accepted, I coordinate all inspections, etc. and I hold your hand until I give you the keys to your new home at closing.

And that is why I recommend that all home buyers, first time or seasoned, do not call the number on the listing. Typically that is the number to the listing agent who represents the seller’s interests, exclusively. Tell that listing agent your budget, your credit score, your dream home, etc. and that information goes right back to the seller. Do you think that kind of information can influence negotiations? Absolutely, and probably not in a positive way for you, the buyer.

A third reason for hesitancy is how to hire an agent to represent your interests. The key is to hire local. All real estate is Local and the detailed knowledge a local real estate agent like me possesses trumps the cursory information contained in national internet marketing sites like Zillow. As for how you find me start by visiting my website at www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com. Learn about the Crystal Coast and Emerald Isle by read and subscribing to my blog. OR watch or subscribe to my youtube channel at Emerald Isle Vacation Home Specialist. When you have all the information you need, simply call me at 919-308-2292. I won’t bite.

Once you have found me, congratulations! We will chat and I will send you properties based on your description, budget and location. If any homes are of interest, call me and I’ll get some showings scheduled. And, three more points. First, it is quite normal for you, as my clients, to suggest homes to visit. I encourage the interaction. Second, when you are in Phase TWO of the buying cycle, calling or texting my personal cell number (919-308-2292) is the only way to communicate! And, third, until I hand you the keys to the house at closing, do not fall in love with any home. Buying your first home or your fifth home is an emotional roller coaster. And the further along in the process we get, the amplitude and frequency of the emotional climbs and descents continue to increase. Not to worry. Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will ease your mind.