FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
There are no surprises: commission, brokerage fees, and estimated selling costs are reviewed upfront and put in writing. Commission is negotiable and typically paid at closing from the sale proceeds. Seller costs can vary by location and contract terms, including title/escrow fees, transfer taxes, HOA fees, repairs, and buyer concessions. This wording is careful because broker fees and commissions should be presented as negotiable and not fixed by law; NAR’s consumer materials also emphasize written agreements and fee transparency. Closing costs can vary by contract and state law, and some costs may be negotiated between
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1. Buyer consultation I start with a discovery meeting to understand the buyer’s goals, timeline, budget, preferred areas, lifestyle needs, must-haves, deal-breakers, and financing status. I also explain the buying process, current market conditions, agency relationship, compensation, and what they can expect from me. 2. Buyer representation and expectations Before touring homes, I review the buyer agency agreement, the scope of services, how compensation works, and how we will communicate. Under current NAR practice changes, MLS participants working with buyers are generally required to have a written agreement before touring a home, including live virtual tours; the agreement must also clearly address compensation, and broker fees are negotiable and not set by law. For a New Home Seller 1. Seller consultation and property walkthrough I begin with a walkthrough and strategy meeting. I ask about the seller’s goals, ideal timeline, mortgage payoff, relocation plans, desired net proceeds, property condition, updates, known issues, and any constraints around showings or closing. 2. Pricing analysis I prepare a comparative market analysis using recent comparable sales, active competition, pending listings, days on market, condition, upgrades, location, and current buyer demand. The goal is to choose a pricing strategy that attracts qualified buyers without leaving money on the table. 3. Net sheet and selling costs I review estimated proceeds, including mortgage payoff, transfer taxes, title costs, prorations, repairs, concessions, and broker compensation. Compensation and commissions are negotiable and not set by law, so I make sure the seller understands their options before signing anything. 4. Listing agreement and strategy Once the seller is ready, we review the listing agreement, listing term, pricing plan, marketing plan, showing instructions, compensation terms, and any seller-authorized concessions or buyer-broker compensation strategy. The seller should know exactly what services are being provided and what costs may apply. 5. Property preparation I help the seller decide what should be repaired, cleaned, staged, decluttered, painted, landscaped, or left alone. The focus is return on investment: doing the work that improves marketability and avoids unnecessary spending.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My training began with the required real estate licensing coursework, which gave me a strong foundation in real estate law, contracts, agency, financing, fair housing, property disclosures, and ethical client representation. Since then, I have continued to build my knowledge through continuing education, market research, broker training, transaction experience, and professional development focused on negotiation, pricing, marketing, and client service. This education helps me explain the process clearly, protect my clients’ interests, and help them make smart decisions in today’s market.