Looking to buy?
Here’s how it works.
Consultation
It all starts with a conversation. I’ll explain the scope of services I offer, and answer all of your questions about the current market, neighborhoods, etc. If I’m the right fit, we’ll enter into a buyer agency agreement. If you’re not quite ready to commit (I get it - we all like to know the people we’re working with!), we can look at a shorter term arrangement. And the search begins!
The Search
Some agents set up an automated search and then passively wait for you to reach out. I actively look for my clients, to ensure nothing is missed and that you’ll be among the first to see a home of interest. I’ll ask you to fill out a detailed form about your ‘must haves’, the ‘would be nice’ details and ‘there is absolutely no way’ stuff. If you’re new to the area, I can take you on a tour of Cville, the surrounding counties and individual neighborhoods so that you can more effectively identify the areas right for you.
Offer & Negotiation
We found THE home! It’s time to craft that offer. We’ll do a comparative market analysis to ensure it’s priced where it needs to be, factoring in current market trends and any competition you may be facing. We will talk through contingencies and deadlines, and move as quickly as possible to ensure your offer is in front of the seller. Should the seller counter, we will discuss your options and work diligently to arrive at terms that work for you.
Under Contract
Whew! We have a ratified contract and are moving toward closing. Next up: inspections. I can arrange and help you navigate the resulting reports. We’ll negotiate any needed repairs or seller concessions so that you can move toward closing with confidence.
Closing
The day is here! We’ll do a final walk through before heading to the closing table. Quite a few signatures later, you’ll have the keys in your hand. Though the deal is offically complete, I will always be available for recommendations and referrals as you settle into your new home.
We can’t say enough great words about [Betsy’s efforts] on our behalf. She helped us for close to a year…we lived out of state and she helped us virtually review homes. She was perfect for all we needed to find the right home. Many, many thanks!
— RH & MH, 2025 Clients
FAQs
I’m ready to buy. What should I do first?
Finding an agent that’s the right fit is step one. Just as important is being prequalified for your loan. This is a simple process that will determine what you can afford and guide your search, and I am happy to connect you to trusted local lenders. (Side note: There tends to be confusion around being ‘prequalified’ versus ‘preapproved.’ Prequalification is a quick and simple process which is basically a conversation between you and a lender. Once you have found a home and entered into a contract, the preapproval process is a more rigorous assessment requiring verification of financial documents, resulting in a formal offer of financing.)
When is the best time for me to begin my home search?
The perfect time is when you are ready. I often hear from folks that they are waiting for interest rates to drop or for current market trends to change. While we do our best to make educated predictions regarding both, guaranteeing the future in real estate is impossible! There are risks and rewards for most scenarios. For example, if rates drop you may qualify for a larger loan amount and/or lower monthly payment - but you will also be competing against an influx of buyers into the market which drives home prices up. I can talk you through various scenarios to help you decide when the time is right for you.
How long will it take?
Now that’s a million dollar question! I’ve had clients find the right home in their first week and others take longer than a year - and so many factors influence that timeline. A discussion of your individual circumstances coupled with current market availability and competition is the best way to start this conversation.
How do you get paid?
There has been a fair amount of confusion over commissions, but the bottom line is they are - and have always been - negotiable. We will discuss rates prior to entering into a buyer agency agreement. I do my best to eliminate or minimize any additional expenditures for you by negotiating my commission as part of the sales contract. It is also important to remember that agents do not get paid unless (until!) you purchase your home.
How available will you be to me?
Completely - by phone, text or email. (We’ll discuss how you like to communicate up front.)