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Buyer Resources

It can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start in the buying process. But you don't need to fret, Sold By Starkey has all the resources you need!

Download our free buyers' resource guide, and let us help ease your stress throughout the buying process.

Why do I need a Buyer's Agent?

That agent works for the seller, not you. Simply put, the agent selling the home is contractually obligated to do what’s best for the seller. That agent is a professional who knows the ins and outs of the local market. Going it alone when the other party to the transaction has a professional working on their side is like a casual golfer playing against Tiger Woods. If that agent represents both the buyer and seller, they’re just a paper-pusher and unable to offer any expertise.

Appraisals, Inspections, Negotiations -- Oh My! Your buyer’s agent has a wealth of industry knowledge to inform every decision you make, so they don’t come back to haunt you. Every transaction is slightly different -- every single one. There’s nothing on the internet for that.

Open Houses are a great way to get an idea of what’s on the market, or preview homes without your agent, BUT be sure to tell the agent hosting the open house that you already have an agent, and beware if they push you in a different direction.

Not likely. Most sellers have negotiated the commission percentage with their listing agent to include both sides of the commission. Most often, if you don’t have an agent it just means the Listing Agent will make more, not the seller.

That on-site agent works for the builder and is contractually obligated to do what’s best for the builder. When a builder encourages you to move forward without an agent you should always question their motivation in that statement. Without an expert involved they get away with a lot more.

If our services will cost you anything, we’ll let you know first! The overwhelming majority of the time, we are compensated by the listing agent via a cooperation agreement that is a part of our membership in the MLS.

From Start to “Under Contract”

1. Contact an Agent

Talk through the process so there are no surprises. Sign agency paperwork, allowing the agent to represent you.

2. Contact a Lender

We have great trusted lenders to recommend! If you choose a lender out of our network, that’s fine; however, it does limit our power if issues arise.

3. Set Up a Search

We can set you up on a search through Compass and/or the local MLS. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on Zillow or other 3rd party sites for reliable, comprehensive information. Keep your search broad because A) The more restrictions you put in, the less homes you get out, and B) The data is only as good as the agent who puts it in and there are some slackers out there.

4. Send Your Agent Homes

Your agent can check “Agent Only” notes unavailable to consumers, as well as disclosures etc, and help you decide if this is a home you should tour.

5. View Homes

Depending on the market you may need to move quickly, or you may have some time. Your agent can guide you. You might want to drive-by first to see if you’re still interested. Try to send homes at once if you have multiple homes to view so your agent can secure appointments and set up a cohesive touring plan.

6. Make an Offer

Your agent will walk you through every aspect of making a great offer. Offers are either accepted, rejected, or countered. As soon as your offer is accepted you’ll need to have Due Diligence and Ernest Money checks ready for delivery.

The Expenses of Buying

The fee you pay directly to the seller to take the home of the market while you do inspections, obtain financing, etc. NO MATTER WHAT, YOU DO NOT GET THIS BACK!

This money comes into play after the Due Diligence date has passed. Should you find yourself unable to close on the home after the Due Diligence date, the seller will keep this fee as well. (Typically the DD and the EM fee total roughly 1% of the price of the home, but the market dictates what is viewed as appropriate amounts, and the current market is trending MUCH higher on these fees.)

A licensed home inspector will inspect the property and identify items of concern, as well as advise if additional inspections are needed (~$300-$500)

Termite Inspection (~$100)

Radon Test (~$150)

Occasionally the Home Inspector will advise an additional inspection – for example, a well & septic inspection, a structural engineer, a mold technician, etc (Prices vary)

This identifies the specific lot lines, and any encroachments, or easements; can sometimes be paid at closing. (~$450)

Your lender can tell you how much
to expect in closing costs.

While all inspections and tests are optional, the Sold By Starkey Team VERY STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that buyers do not skip any recommended inspection. Should you choose to forego a suggested inspection we may ask that you put in writing that we recommended otherwise.

Get Your Free Resource Guide

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Work With Us

The Sold by Starkey team knows how to navigate the Triangle area real estate market like no other. We have firsthand, local expertise on how and where to find the best available homes—which may be why our listings only spend an average of nine days on the market, a statistic well below the Triangle average.