Buyer representation - The Rogers

BUYER REPRESENTATION
-The ins and outs of buying a home-
The Rogers-Long Team of Hometown Realty
5326 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
MEET THE TEAM
Ben Rogers, Team Leader
Born and raised in Mechanicsville, Va., real estate in the greater Richmond
area has been in my family for multiple generations. After graduating from
Hampden-Sydney College with an Economics degree in 2012, I was licensed
in July of 2012 in order to represent you in the sale or purchase of a home.
An avid football fan, I played for 16 years of my life, most notably at Hanover
High School and Hampden-Sydney College. I am a member of HampdenSydney Football’s Advisory Board and I am the Chairman of the Super
Boosters for Hanover High School. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time
with family and friends at the river, snowboarding, and working on my
terrible golf game. In the fall football season, you can find me at HampdenSydney, Virginia Tech, and although it’s tough to be a fan, even at Redskins
games!
Kevin Long, Buyer Specialist
Also born and raised in Mechanicsville, Va., I grew up focused on becoming a
high school teacher and baseball coach. Upon graduation from James
Madison University with a History and Education degree in 2012, my plans
changed as I decided to get my real estate license because of the strong and
close-knit network of friends I had created during my high school and college
years. I’ve been a Realtor® ever since! An all-around sports guru, baseball has
always been my passion. I have played baseball ever since I can remember,
coached a high school team during my time at JMU, and coached for two
years at Benedictine High School. Outside of real estate, you can find me
playing golf (or attempting to do so), church softball, or watching my favorite
baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a large part of my family being
from Boston, you might even find me at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game!
THE ROGERS-LONG TEAM
Although we grew up going to the same church, we didn’t become good friends until we were in the 5 th
grade, as we played on the same baseball team together; little did we know as little leaguers that we would
form a friendship that would grow from best friends to business partners. Neither of us thought we were
going to become Realtors® until our senior year of college. We both got licensed after graduation, and
during a vacation with a group of our best friends (yes, it was Vegas) we made the decision to start our
careers at the same company in Hometown Realty, but under our own names. Finally in 2014, we decided
it was time to team up. While Ben found more success working with sellers and Kevin found his niche in
real estate working with buyers, we saw the great opportunity ahead in forming The Rogers-Long Team.
HOMETOWN REALTY
Our number one rule at HTR is to “TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED”. HTR was founded
in 1988 to provide professional real estate service and today, it is the largest locally owned real estate
company in the greater Richmond area.
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
MISSION STATEMENT—THE ROGERS-LONG TEAM
Why Ben Rogers & Kevin Long?
With over 4,000 Realtors® in the greater Richmond area, why choose us? The answer is very simple: while
other agents spend their time cold-calling and door knocking in order to find clients, we choose to work
exclusively by referral. By counting on our vast network made up of friends, business associates, and clients
to refer us their friends, family and co-workers, we can keep our head down working hard for you. In short,
while other Realtors® focus on what we refer to as “lead-generation”, our focus is on you.
Our Business Plan
We love to joke about how every Realtor® is “honest” and “hard-working”. Who isn’t going to tell you that?
Our business plan is truly built on the classic values of Honesty, Hard Work, and Dedication and in addition
to these “old school values”, we approach our professional relationships with creative and innovative
tactics. If you like to sign paperwork the old fashioned way with pen and paper, that’s great! We can
accommodate. If you have a busy schedule, we understand and can accommodate that as well—we have
access to and understand how to utilize resources that allow us to get things done electronically…and not
to mention, extremely quickly. Being members of what is referred to as the “Social Media Generation”, we
can accommodate your needs in a very efficient and quick manner. Whether it’s a phone call, email, text,
or even a hand-written note, we understand communication is of the utmost importance and have been
able to become experts of communication in the real estate business.
Our Mission
Our goal with every transaction is duplicate our clientele by providing exceptional service to our current
clients in order to earn their referrals in the future. While both of us grew up playing and even coaching
sports, we understand that accountability is huge. Like we had coaches during our years as athletes, we
have coaches in the real estate business, too. As clients of Buffini & Company, the largest and most
respected real estate coaching program in the United States, we are always held accountable to be sure
that the service we provide is unmatched in order to make you confident we can get not only your deal
closed, but your referrals’ as well.
Attitude is Everything
Our business relies on this motto we learned at a young age, that “attitude is everything”. Our belief is that
for things to be accomplished in an efficient manner, attitude truly is everything. We pride ourselves in
being competitive and having a positive outlook on life, and our biggest promise to you is that we will be
competitive and have a positive attitude in our time working together. The glass is always “half-full” with
The Rogers-Long Team!
Work Hard. Play Hard.
Don’t confuse our work ethic and dedication to our careers with boredom. As a client of The Rogers-Long
Team, you will see that we have like to have fun. The most successful businesses operate by working hard
and playing hard, and we are no different. Being a member of our clientele, be ready to party with us at
different client events throughout the year!
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
REAL ESTATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS—The Rogers-Long Team
2014
Hometown Realty Top 15 Agents
Top 3% of Richmond Realtors
RAR Outstanding Production Award
The Rogers-Long Team: $10 Million Volume Production
2013
Hometown Realty Top 20 Agents
Top 7% of Richmond Realtors
RAR Outstanding Production Award
“Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated” Award, 2012
Testimonials
“Ben and Kevin are two of the hardest working men I’ve encountered. They consistently go above and
beyond and work/are available around the clock. They’re well connected and incredibly personable. We’ll
recommend them to anyone looking for a Realtor.”
- Alex & Lauren Rowsey, 4809 Morrison Road, Richmond
“We have bought and sold 4 homes over the past decade and by far we had the best experience with Ben
and Kevin. They are extremely knowledgeable, responsive and attentive to client needs. Everything was
planned, coordinated and executed to perfection. We highly recommend the Rogers-Long team!”
- Lee & Carrie Marsh, 11024 Greenline Court, Mechanicsville
“Our experiences with Ben and his team were beyond great. He walked us through the entire process and
sold our house quicker than expected. After our out of state plans changed, Ben brought in Kevin and we
were able to purchase and close on a house quicker than normal. Ben and his team are very professional,
reliable, and extremely knowledgeable with all facets of the real estate market. I would not hesitate to
utilize their services in the future, and will definitely refer anyone that asks to Ben and his team. They
provide outstanding service and it was a very pleasurable experience working with
them. We couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable, harder working, or organized agent.”
- Perry & Jen Farley, 8202 Cardova Road, Henrico
“Ben and Kevin were an amazing team to work with. They very quickly built a connection and understood
both my wife’s and my own wants and needs in a house. Throughout the process, they did an excellent
job of communicating and were available whenever we needed anything. After seeing 5 homes, they
showed us the house of our dreams and negotiated a great price!”
- Ian & Michelle Confer, 5404 Stanwood Way, Glen Allen
*If you would like to speak to any of our past clients as a reference, we’d be happy to set up a phone call!
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
BUYER REPRESENTATION
-THE INS AND OUTS OF THE BUYING PROCESSBefore we hit the road and begin looking at potential homes, there are a few things that we
would like you to be aware of:
Common
Misconceptions
Held by
Homebuyers
The Client
Appreciation
Program
Don't Do It! Things
You Shouldn't Be
Doing When
Preparing to Buy a
Home
Overview of
the Home
Inspection
The Purchasing
Pathway: How It
Works & What
You Should
Expect
How Do I
Schedule
Showings?
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
THE 5 MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS HELD BY HOMEBUYERS
Getting prequalified by a lender is free of cost!
1
A townhouse or a condo is a "home". We represent
you in the purchase of a single-family home, condo,
townhouse, or a piece of land. We sell new
construction, too.
Just because we work for Hometown Realty does NOT
mean we can only view and purchase Hometown
listings. In fact 9 out of 10 transactions are done
between different companies.
2
3
Home buying is a process of elimination, not selection.
Rarely will you find the perfect house. We will help
guide you through this process.
4
By hiring us as your Buyer's Representatives, you do
not have to pay us! The seller pays out the commission
at closing.
5
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
DON’T DO IT!
Change
your job
Change banks
or move your
money around
Make any
major
purchases
Deposit
cash
Close credit
card
accounts
DON'T!
Apply for a
new credit
of any kind
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Not Sure?
Ask your lender about anything you
may be unsure about that could affect
your loan. Be sure to choose a lender
who you is readily available to serve
you. Ask us for a referral!
Fail to disclose
financial/credit
information
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
THE PURCHASING PATHWAY
• Get Prequalified!
1
•Speak with a Lender to find out not just what you qualify for, but what you can afford.
•Be sure to understand what you should and should not be doing prior to closing on your new home.
• Initial Appointment
2
•The purpose of the initial appointment is for us to understand your needs & wants as a buyer.
•3 important criteria: Location, Price, & Style/Condition. This determines the properties we search for.
• Schedule Showings/View Homes
3
•See following page for a tutorial on scheduling showings.
•Remember, as you view homes, it is a process of elimination, not selection.
• Write the Offer, Negotiate Terms, Contract Ratification
4
•Review & understand the purchase contract & addenda with Realtor. Remember, there is much more
to a contract than sales price. Your Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) will be made upon ratification.
• Loan Application
5
•Within 7 days of contract ratification, you will need to officially apply for your loan with your Lender.
• Property Inspection
6
•Within 14 days (+/-) after ratification, the inspection(s) take place. See following page for more
information on this process. Cost usually ranges from $250-$500, depending on the square footage.
• Appraisal
7
•An appraiser is someone who confirms that you are not overpaying for the house.
•This is charged prior to closing. Cost ranges from $400-$500 (your Lender can confirm this cost).
• "Hurry Up and Wait!"
8
•After Steps 1-7 are complete, there is some downtime. Stay available for your Realtor & Lender.
There is a 99% chance that the Lender will require updated paperwork throughout this process.
• Final Walk Through
9
•After your loan is "Clear-to-Close", we will re-visit the home one final time prior to closing to be sure
it is in acceptable condition. This is typically the day before or the day of closing.
• Closing Time! (45-60 days after ratification)
10
•Also referred to as settlement, you will sign final documents at the closing attorney's office.
•Upon conclusion of the paperwork, we'll give you the keys & you will be the rightful owner!
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
HOW DO I SCHEDULE SHOWINGS? (We make it easy!)
#1
Client Search Portal
• We will have you set up on your own personal search portal during our initial
appointment.
• This allows you to stay informed on new listings as soon as they hit the market.
• We'll go over helpful tools within your portal, including how to "heart" & "trash"
listings to help keep yourself organized. Remember, eliminate!
• Finally, be sure you contact YOUR Realtor with any questions you have.
#2
Contact Kevin
• When you are ready to see houses, all we require is a simple text message! Call or
email works too, obviously.
• In your inquiry, please include MLS numbers and times that work for you to see
houses. We're able to accomodate most schedules, but please have backup times
ready.
• Not every Realtor communicates like we do.
• 24-48 hours notice is not only helpful, it is just about required.
• Between work schedules, children at daycare, pets, and other everday situations
that buyers, sellers, and Realtors encounter, scheduling showings with as much
notice as possible makes the whole process easier.
• For example, inquiring at 10pm to see a house at 8am the next day is very difficult
to accomplish!
#3
Remember to Eliminate!
• Eliminating first, then selecting between your top 2 or 3 makes you a more
competitive buyer. It is not unrealistic to find your home of choice the first time out!
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
THE HOME INSPECTION EXPLAINED
After we receive the inspection report on your house, you will be granted the opportunity to request repairs by the
Seller, or request a credit in lieu of repairs. Once the Seller receives the inspection report and Repair/Repair Credit
Addendum, there is a 7 day negotiation period.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
-
You are buying a used house and not everything will be perfect. If you are expecting a perfect
house, we will need to discuss building. There is no perfect house.
Selling a home is just as emotional as buying one. Just as we don’t want to be offended, the Seller
doesn’t either.
If an inspector recommends that something specific is to be inspected by a specialist (i.e., roofer,
electrician, plumber, etc.), it is your responsibility to have that inspection within the time frame
stated in the contract.
What you should ask for:
Defects of the property.
This means something that
is damaged or
dysfunctional that affects a
normal standard of living.
"Defect": a condition which
impairs the normal
stability, safety, or use of
any improvements
(buildling) on the Property.
Common examples include:
structural defects, a
damaged roof, mold in the
crawlspace.
What you should not ask for:
Cosmetic flaws. This means
something that improves
your personal preference of
living (i.e., affects
appearance vs. substance).
"Any cosmetic flaws, antiquated
systems, or grandfathered
components that are in working
order but would not comply with
current buildindg code if
constructed or installed today."
Common examples include:
normal settlement cracks, a
roof that is towards the end of
its life expectancy that
currently is in working order.
Requesting repairs can be situational. If there is a laundry list of small, easy-to-repair items on the
report but one large/costly defect, focus on the large defect first. Have a list of repairs that are your
priorities. We can help point you in the right direction here. Remember, you are buying a resale, it will not
be perfect. Being a homeowner will require maintenance.
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
[BUYER REPRESENTATION]
The Rogers-Long Team, HTR
THE CLIENT APPRECIATION PROGRAM
Even after
closing, I'll be
there to
assist you
with all of
your real
estate needs.
You'll be added
to my Client
Appreciation
Program and
will be receiving
valuable
information on
a monthly basis.
Consider me your
source of referrals
for all types of
businesses,
whether related to
real estate or not.
I've partnered
with great
professionals who
would be happy to
serve you!
“How do I refer?”
If you had a friend, family member, or co-worker that was interested in buying or
selling a home, am I the Realtor you’d refer them to? If the answer to this question is
“yes”, that’s great! We are so happy to have you in our Client Appreciation Program.
If you run across someone interested in selling, buying, or building, please ask
permission for us to call them. If you could provide us with your referral’s name and
contact info, we’ll be sure to follow up quickly to provide the same exceptional
service that was provided to you.
HOMETOWN
REALTY
Benjamin Rogers|804.512.0438|BRogers@GoHTR.com|Kevin Long|804.690.0367|KevinL@GoHTR.com
REALTY