FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers
Welcome to the Better2Gether Help Center. We’ve pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions from my clients and compiled them here. If you still need answers, get in touch and we’ll do our best to help out!
What does a real estate agent actually do?
In today’s information age, a new home might feel like it’s just a click away and that it should be easily accessible without the help of an agent. However, real estate agents are essential advocates and guides as you navigate the homebuying process. We will be experts in your target neighborhood, help you find the perfect home, and provide information you can’t find anywhere else thanks to our resources, we have behind-the-scenes access. We will also function as your liaison between parties as we walk you through the entire transaction process, supporting you as we complete your offer and making sure your contract includes all the right clauses to protect you. Without a proper agent, you may be faced with doing all the paperwork and legwork yourself thanks to a discount agent, which could cost you money or even your perfect home down the line. As Realtors we just take the stress off, whether it’s for the buyer or the seller, we want to make it as smooth as possible for our clients.
How long does it take to buy a home?
From start (previewing homes) to finish (close of escrow), buying a home takes about 10 to 12 weeks. Once a home is selected and the offer is accepted (this is the challenge in today's market), the average time to complete the escrow period on a home is 30 to 45 days (in normal market conditions). Cash offers can close faster as there is no mortgage component. Market conditions are a major factor in how fast homes are sold. In hot markets with a lot of sales activity, buying a home may take a little longer due to the increased activity. For example, in a fast-selling market the demand for property appraisals and home inspections increases, yet there will be no increase in the number of appraisers and inspectors available to do the work. Lender turn-around times for loan underwriting can also slow down. Having the best partners in the transaction is key to closing on time and stress-free.
What is the first step in the home buying process?
Getting Pre-Approved - meet with a lender to determine what you can afford. The lender will review your, credit history, job history, income, and assets to determine what you can afford in terms of a mortgage. In the current market, it is difficult to get into a contract without a full pre-approval. Take the time to meet with a couple of different lenders to make sure it is a good fit for you, but be careful. Don't let them all pull your credit as this can impact your approval. There are a lot of different lending products out there to meet a variety of circumstances. Be sure you pick a lender that has the best products for your personal needs. Closing on time is critical in this fast-moving market so be sure the lender you choose has a timely response to any of your questions. Time is of the essence. Also, between getting approved and finding your home, don't open any credit cards or make any large purchases as this can impact your approval.
Will I be working with you individually, or with a team?
When you choose to work with the Better2Gether team, you choose! Thanks to our dual-generational approach, we understand there isn’t a one size fits all solution when it comes to your real estate needs. That is why we give you the agency to choose whether you want to work with Nathan, Jacki, or both of us in order to buy or sell a home! After all, you are the ultimate decision-maker and we want you to choose which one or if both of our approaches are ideal for you. The Better2Gether team isn’t your standard faceless team who may advertise one well-known real estate agent and then give you the bait-and-switch once you try to work with us by passing you off to a less experienced assistant. We give you our full attention the entire time. In essence, you are getting two experienced realtors for the price of one!
Do You Work Primarily With Buyers Or Sellers?
Since there are two of us, both! Jacki Bott is our listing specialist and Nathan Gaither is our buyers’ expert. Unlike ordinary buyer or seller agents, our two sides work very closely together, so you get the advantage of the inside scoop. Like the famous philosopher Sun Tzu said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” We know every facet of both sides of the real estate transaction, so we can ensure you the advantage when it comes to negotiating. However, unlike Sun Tzu, we don’t view the other side as an enemy. We know that we can complete the real estate transaction with your interests at heart while still ending the deal in a win-win situation for both sides!
Can you recommend a (fill in the blank)?
...Mortgage broker, appraiser, inspector, real estate lawyer, general contractor, moving companies, nanny, painter, and anything else you can possibly think of involving homes or our community. We have a verified vendor ready to assist our clients at any point in the life of our real estate transaction relationship, whether you're actively searching, we helped you years ago to buy/sell a home, or we just met you. After all, your agent’s network may be just as important as their team, so we ensure to retain the ability to solve any of your needs that may arise.