For Buyers

If you're thinking about buying a home in the Raleigh-Cary NC area, this page is worth reading. Even if you're an experienced home buyer much of this may be a little different from what you're expecting. What I won't do is waste your time telling you how "buying a home may be your biggest investment". You already know that. You need to know some facts, how I approach things, and why I deserve your trust. 

1) My personal "rules of the road"...

  • You won't have to sign a contract with me before I'll help you find, or even show you, any area properties.  
  • I'll never charge you a fee for my services. If you find and purchase a home I will be compensated by the seller (or the builder).
  • I will show you properties listed by every real estate firm in the area, not just listings from my office, or my personal listings.
  • When you choose me to represent you, you'll work with me. I answer all phone calls and emails, and I'm with you every step of the way (good luck getting that with some real estate "Team"!).
  • I will never sell you a home. When a REALTORŪ tells you how many homes they've sold, it's time to find another REALTORŪ. 
  • I won't talk you into buying a home. It's my job to present you with choices, disclose all the positives and negatives, and let you decide.
  • Contacting me doesn't mean you have to work with me, it won't result in relentless emails or phone calls, and your contact info will never ever be shared with anyone (or any outside marketing company). 
  • You'll never have to register to get to any information on my Website. This includes my Property Search Page. They say it's not good marketing. I say they lack trust. To me the best way to get your contact information (and your trust) is to earn it. And I will earn it. When something's different, people remember.

2) Some things to think about...

  • When you visit a new home construction sales office, whether a tract builder (such as KB Homes, or Pulte), or a custom home builder, always let them know you're working with a REALTORŪ. If you don't, the sales person will be representating both parties...you and the builder (buyer and seller). It's a bit like having the same lawyer defend and prosecute a legal case. You need someone on your side, and despite what you may think...they won't raise the price of the house just because you're working with a REALTORŪ. I've saved my buyers literally $1000's of dollars with new home construction. There's no way the onsite sales rep would do that, believe me.
  • There's a RealtorŪ around every corner qualified to represent you in the purchase of a new home. Many will do a good job. But these days that's not good enough. You need someone who knows this business inside and out, knows home construction and the products that are used (I built my own home!), will negotiate the best price, and will you steer you through a minefield of forms and inspections. Someone who literally "has your back" every step of the way.
  • If you're interested in a home while driving around (or on the Internet), please don't just call the name on the sign (listing agent). Once again...they represent the seller. Think about it. Who's best interests are they committed to? I've saved my buyers a ton of money here as well. Call me anytime and I'll research the property for you, give you the behind the scenes straight scoop, and even schedule a private showing. It really is that easy.
  • Trust your gut feelings when choosing a REALTORŪ. Pick up the phone, call a few, see if they actually answer the phone (is it the experienced agent or some "Team Member"). If you do reach someone spend a few minutes listening to their way of communicating. Trust your instincts. This isn't just a business transaction, it's going to be a personal relationship as well. Send them an email, see how quickly they respond, and see who responds. Believe me, it will make complete sense after only a few inquiries.
  • Don't think choosing a "Big Name" firm will get you a more experienced real estate agent, or a better deal. Much of the time it's actually quite the opposite. It's all about the person...the REALTORŪ. Believe me. In fact, many of the better agents eventually move to smaller firms so they can have the freedom to "do what they do best". I started with Prudential, moved to RE/MAX, and I'm now Raleigh Cary Realty, so I say this from experience.

I've worked with first time homebuyers, experienced home buyers, families relocating to NC, and a whole lot of new construction. Nearly all of them told me "the hardest part was just getting the process started" related to choosing a REALTORŪ (see my Testimonials). Make a few phone calls, send some emails, talk with friends and neighbors. I would love to be your first phone call or email. That first small step will break the ice, and probably change the way you look at everything.