Whenever you are exploring the idea of purchasing a home, make sure to ask these questions about your realtor:

1. Is this your full-time job?

   An active, full-time agent is more likely to be up-to-date on the market and the law and you will know they are motivated to work for you since it is their livelihood.

   Catalyst Home Team is a full-time, service-oriented team!

2. What services do you offer beyond negotiations and escrow?

   Make a list. Negotiations, paperwork and contingencies are customary. Contingencies are conditions included with an offer on a home that must be fulfilled before the deal can close. If a buyer or seller is unable to satisfy a contingency, then the offer on a home may become void.

   Catalyst Home Team will go beyond the negotiations + paperwork. We will gladly connect you to our team of top notch professionals, including mortgage lenders, closing attorneys, home inspectors, designers, home maintenance service providers who always go the extra mile to ensure our clients have the best experience possible. We seek to provide you with a 10+ customer service experience from before the contract to after closing day.

3. When am I committed to working with you?

   Many consumers start touring homes without realizing this can obligate them to work with the agent -contract or no contract. In the state of Georgia, it is legally required to have a Buyer’s Agency agreement signed before we can perform any duties to you – including showing you any homes. 

4. What is a Buyer’s Agency Agreement?

   This is the document all prospective buyers signs once they decide to work with a buyer’s agent. Each MLS has a standard buyer’s agency form, but the brokerage the agent works for may also provide their own agreement listing the conditions of the relationship between the buyer’s agent, his brokerage, and the prospective buyer. 

5. Who else will be working with me?

   An agent is often supported by a team. It is a good idea to know all the contacts on the team. With Catalyst Home Team, you will work with our agent partners, as well as our Transaction Coordinator, and our Client Care Coordinator.

6. Am I obligated to work with the lender, inspector, or other service providers you recommend?

   A “yes” here can be a red flag. You should never feel pressured to use recommended service providers. Although Catalyst Home Team certainly does not require you to use our service providers, as we mentioned earlier we have a team of top notch, fully-vetted professionals we know will provide a 10+ experience for you. So that we can ensure we provide you the experience we promise, we highly recommend our team of service providers. Rest assured, we do not receive any incentives or kick backs for referring them business; we simply ask them to take the best care possible of our clients. 

7. What sets you apart from other agents?

   Look for expertise, not just enthusiasm. We have experience in your favorite neighborhoods, a proven track record of loyal & satisfied customers, and a deep knowledge of many special requirements you might have in your home search. 

    

8. What pitfalls of home buying can you help me avoid?

   We rely on their experience to help you navigate around issues you may fall victim to if not guided properly. Good agents can prevent you from not offering the right price, not including the right sales terms and contingencies and missing out on common inspection items, for example. It is our job is to do our best to protect your interests.

9. Can I see reviews of your past deals?

   Every agent has clients he/she served well. But the best agents consistently deliver excellent service. It is reasonable to ask the agent to provide this to you. We think a good agent should have nothing to hide and we will gladly share client feedback with you.

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Want more homebuying advice?

Catalyst Home Team is a great place for homebuyer education and to help you gauge how ready you are to buy a home. We have extensive knowledge of the market and would love to have the opportunity to serve you on this journey. Meeting with us will give you a vital head start in the home buying journey, saving you valuable time and money.

Contact our team today – 678.671.0202 for more information.