Buy - The Harrisonburg Homes Team

We Focus on the Details

Our Buyer Representation services go far beyond searching for and finding you a home—there are apps for that. And while we do help source properties for you, we’re here to navigate the intricacies of purchasing a home and protect you from the pitfalls. We decipher disclosure docs, interpret inspection reports, and investigate zoning codes—all so you can buy your home with confidence.

Your Home Buying Journey Begins Here

Whether it’s your first home, or your fifth, buying a home is one of the most important and exciting decisions of your life.

With Nest Realty, you will have access to exceptional expertise, in-depth local knowledge, and innovative real estate technology. More importantly, we are committed to being your trusted advisor—offering guidance and unparalleled service throughout this process. We’ll guide you through the sometimes overwhelming deluge of documents, inspections, permits, negotiations, scheduling, and legalities.

Successful Transaction Management

We provide a high level of service and quality control in our transaction management. Once you actually have a contract on a property, there are many things that need to happen, involving innumerable details. We handle most of these details for you, using carefully crafted checklists and redundant systems so that nothing falls through the cracks. Our systems include quality controlling other parties involved in the transaction (agents, inspectors, lenders, contractors, etc.), since every now and then people get busy and mistakes are made...mistakes that can cost you a lot in money, time, and/or frustration.

The Home Buying Journey

Getting Organized

“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” – Thomas Edison

It’s easy to dream only about the end goal when you start a journey. However, investing time into preparation and planning will set you up for success in the search for your new home.

Specifically, understanding the home loan process, speaking with a lender, getting pre-approved (or pre-qualified), and having a buyer consultation with your Nest agent are essential steps to take before your home search officially begins.

Start Searching

Establishing clear priorities and goals is a fundamental step in the home search. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for a change, defining what matters most to you sets the foundation for a successful search.

We’ll work with you to educate you on the market, keep you informed of both on and off-market listings, coordinate showings, and give you insight along the way to help give you the confidence to make a great real estate decision.

Making an Offer

Once you have identified a home that you would like to make an offer on, we’ll discuss the key components of the contract and the offer to ensure that we are setting you up for success.

It’s important to remember that your offer is about a lot more than the price. Keep in mind that the seller will be taking your entire purchase offer into account. We’ll work together to determine a competitive and comprehensive—but reasonable—offer based on market conditions, comparable sales, and the home's features.

Contract to Close

Congratulations, your offer was accepted! Now, the real work begins. A flurry of activity will occur within the few days following contract acceptance. As a first step, we’ll line up our internal team to guide you along the way.

We’ll schedule any relevant inspections and due diligence that we need to complete. We’re experts in interpreting inspection reports, making recommendations for contractors, and handling any unforeseen logistics that may arise during this time.

Additionally, we’ll coordinate details with your lender, listing agent, closing attorney, contractors, and all parties involved to ensure that we’re meeting legal deadlines and that everyone is trending toward our contracted closing date.

Closing

We’re almost there! In the days leading up to the closing, there can be a whirlwind of activity with final inspections, additional lender requests, final walk-through, and attorney coordination. From reviewing the Closing Disclosure (CD) for accuracy to ensuring all terms and conditions of the contract are met to everything in between, rest assured we’re on top of the details.

After Closing

As you get settled in your new home, please rest assured that we’ll continue to support you and be available to help with any needs that may arise. From questions about home improvements or major renovations to being there to talk through possibly refinancing, we’re always available to you and ready to advise however we can.

What is a Buyer's Agent?

A Buyer’s Agent is a licensed real estate professional representing homebuyers' interests throughout the purchase process. Beyond helping you determine a suitable property, your Buyer’s Agent will act as your advocate, offer valuable insights, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure a smooth journey from house hunting to closing.

With a deep knowledge of the local market, an understanding of the intricacies of real estate transactions, and a commitment to your best interests, a Nest Realty Buyer’s Agent will be an indispensable ally in helping you make informed decisions and secure the perfect home.

Why Hire a Buyer's Agent?

It’s paramount that you hire a real estate agent to represent your interests as a buyer. The listing agent represents the seller's interests and owes their fiduciary duty to the seller. Remember, if you are an unrepresented buyer and you mention any type of confidential information to the listing agent, they are obligated to pass it on to the seller.

Your Nest Buyer’s Agent is in your corner and will owe their fiduciary duty to you. Anything you mention to your Buyer’s Agent stays strictly confidential, and your Buyer’s Agent is there to advise and guide you so that you are informed and represented to the fullest extent.

Representing you and your interests, we will keep the process going smoothly. In addition, the trust you develop will empower you to make better decisions.

What is a Fiduciary?

You may hear us use the term ‘fiduciary.’ A fiduciary refers to an ethical relationship of trust and confidence between two parties. When you commit to us as your Buyer’s Agent, we’ll serve as your fiduciary and act in your best interests.

The four key elements of a fiduciary relationship include:

Duty of Loyalty: We will act solely in your best interests, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing your interests, goals, and well-being.
Duty of Care: We will exercise a high standard of care, skill, and diligence in carrying out our responsibilities. We’ll make informed and prudent decisions on your behalf, when applicable.
Good Faith: We will act in good faith - with honesty and sincerity in all matters. We will never engage in deceptive or self-serving behavior.
Confidentiality: As your fiduciary, we will keep any information obtained or communicated during our relationship confidential.

Buyer Representation Agreements
We take our fiduciary responsibility seriously and you can be confident that we’ll be in your corner every step of the way.

A Buyer Representation Agreement is a contract between a real estate agent and a prospective homebuyer that outlines the terms and conditions of their working partnership. This agreement typically specifies the agent's and buyers’ responsibilities, contract duration, compensation terms, and other relevant details to protect both parties' interests throughout the home-buying process.

Establishing this formal agency relationship early in your home-buying journey is important so your Nest Agent can legally serve your interests and advocate on your behalf.

As of July 2024, real estate agents must establish an agency relationship and sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before showing prospective homebuyers a property listed in the Multiple Listing Service. This nationwide change was enacted for all real estate agents in all 50 states.

This requirement is a change from the previous protocol. So, if you have purchased a home in the past, you may not have experienced this. However, recent updates to consumer protection laws have made this a requirement.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to discuss these recent changes with you.

What Does a Buyer's Agent Do?

It’s a common misconception that a buyer’s agent’s primary responsibility is to help homebuyers locate a home. And while this is a part of the responsibility, a Buyer’s Agent’s duties and value go much deeper. Here’s a list of some of the duties and responsibilities we’ll take on as your Buyer’s Agent…

Homebuying Process Education
Sourcing Properties (including off-market properties)
Property Previews
Schedule and Coordinate Showings
Attending Property Tours
Providing Valuable Market Insights
Pricing and Value Consultations
Advising on Purchase Price
Preparing Purchase Offers
Reviewing and Interpreting Seller Disclosures
Negotiating Purchase Agreement with the Listing Agent
Coordinating Inspections
Reviewing and Interpreting Inspection Reports
Negotiating Repairs / Credits with the Listing Agent
Assisting with Mortgage Application and Process
Coordinating with the Loan Officer
Coordinating with the Settlement Agent
Coordinating Details with the Listing Agent
Make Recommendations for 3rd Party Professionals

No two transactions are ever the same. An experienced Buyer’s Agent can help navigate any complications or surprises that may arise, thus increasing the likelihood of achieving a successful transaction.

CONTACT US!

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