When I work with a buyer (or a seller who will soon become a buyer when I sell their house), I always recommend that they get their financial house in order first. That doesn't mean balancing the checkbook. It means getting a copy of their credit reports AND talking with a reputable mortgage lender. Just because you own a house now, or have talked with a mortgage lender a few months ago, doesn't mean that your credit report hasn't changed.

        Unexplained errors occur on credit reports all the time. According to Clark Howard, over a third of all credit reports have errors in them. So if you havent done it yet, here's the phone numbers for the three credit reporting agencies. In Georgia you can get each report twice a year at no charge. Do yourself a favor and review them now. That way, if there IS an error on them, you have time to fix it before we get to the house buying stage.

        Equifax: 800-685-1111

        Experian: 888-397-3742

        Transunion: 800-916-8800

        A buyers agent is a real estate professional who works exclusively for buyers, representing their best interests throughout a real estate transaction. There are many benefits of using a buyer agent and, just to let you know right from the beginning, all these benefits don't cost you anything. Believe it or not, my services are paid for by the home seller!

        When I work for you I will:

        1) Completely educate you about the practice of Buyer Agency, outlining my fiduciary responsibilities to you, which include: complete Disclosure, Loyalty, Confidentiality, Obedience and Accountability.

        2) Create a detailed profile of your future home needs, wants, expectations, "must haves," etc.

        3) Save you time searching the market for an affordable home that meets your profile criteria. I will also provide you with regular market updates.

        4) Help you explore all your financing options so you can make the best mortgage decision you can. In addition, if you like, I will refer you to some of the first-class financial contacts I've made through years of experience. In short, I will step you through every phase of the loan process.

        5) Accompany you as you view homes, providing comparative analysis of them. I can also refer you to expert home inspectors that will provide more in-depth analysis and advice.

        6) Negotiate the best possible home price for you, take care of the details of documentation and do everything I can to make sure everything's signed, sealed and delivered on closing day.

        7) Assist you, if necessary, in finding the right moving company, home insurance and any other home-related services you need.