Initial Buyer Consultation w/ Adam Garrett: 3rd Generation Realtor®
Updated: 3 days ago
Here are details on initial consultations for buyers with real estate agents, particularly with Adam since all real estate agents' skill sets aren't the same, & with a focus on why that consultation is best done either face to face or over a program that allows Adam to screen share so that he can integrate visuals into the discussion to enhance the buyer's understanding, more clearly understand the buyer's preferences, & otherwise:
1. Establish Searches
One of the top reasons why buyers seek to speak to real estate agents is to establish a search on MLS geared toward their preferences. I recommend this step typically after preapproval, so if you haven't been preapproved yet, it's often best to hold off on this step.
Whether an initial discussion is on the phone or online, the top reason why buyers should want a face-to-face or virtual screen share discussion with a prospective buyer's agent is to acquire a better search faster. In the absence of visuals, things will take longer and the buyer won't be nearly as able to do things like drawing a map around where they are looking to buy. With remote desktop capability, available on Zoom, the buyer can do exactly that.
By having a visual of the search, it's also easier to go through potential properties together and help buyers with aspects of navigation like flood zones, with some cities/counties in SE VA having the majority of properties in flood zones.
2. Educating Buyers on Search Portal Navigation Tips Visually
I recommend this step typically after preapproval, so if you haven't been preapproved yet, it's often best to hold off on this step.
There are certain subjects that are much more difficult for buyers to grasp in the absence of visuals. With visuals present, buyers are able to learn more content faster. In addition to the search itself, I often go into a wide variety of other topics in my initial consultations with buyers.
For instance, I often like to quickly show buyers how to locate flood zones directly within MLS while setting up the searches for them, which is critical to know for many SE VA cities/counties, with some cities/counties having more properties in flood zones than not in flood zones.
3. Other Potential Points of Discussion Include Financial Preparation for a Home Purchase (Short Term & Long Term), the Market, Interest Rates, Renting vs Purchasing, Area Specific Information, Buyer Brokerage Agreements, etc.
There are a wide variety of possibilities to explore.
1. Finances generally:
i.e. credit, budgeting, savings, insurance, debt reduction, etc.
2. Financial aspects specific to your purchase:
i.e. lender recommendations, programs to reduce home costs, what you need to buy, etc.
3. The Market
4. Interest Rates & Projections
7. Non-Exclusive & Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreements; Other Disclosures
4. Gaining a Better Understanding of the Agent & the Buyer
Face-to-face discussion is an inherently more effective platform for getting to know your agent, especially when screen share can be included, than a phone call, email exchange, or text exchange. Part of your time putting together a search as a buyer should be assessing the competency, honesty, and knowledge of the real estate agent in order to better determine whether or not they will be a good fit for you. Without a face-to-face, you won't know as much about a prospective agent and they won't know as much about you.
5. Why In Person or Face to Face with Screen Share Meetings are Best
Establishing Better Searches Faster Including By Seeing the Search As It's Being Created
See Pertinent Visual Details that Can Help Inform the Search Criteria
Faster Understanding
More Educational
Alleviating Agent Concerns of Catfish Buyers When No Prior Face to Face Has Occurred
Better Understanding of the Agent
For more details, go here.
If you'd like to plan out exactly what you'd like to discuss in a search consultation with Adam, one option, though not required, is to fill out this form.
Related:
How To Join Zoom & Screen Share On Zoom (including best practices like using a large screen with a webcam instead of your phone to be able to see my screen better)
Why It's Important to Get Immediate Property Search Updates & Not Rely on Concierge Mode
Seemingly Harmless Questions With Major Consequences if Answered Directly