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Google Sheets Basics
I often use Google Sheets. Here are some basic things to know in case you're unfamiliar. Basics to Note: Use a Laptop or a Desktop Preferably While it's possible to use a tablet or smartphone to edit a Google Sheet, it's much more user-friendly on a desktop or laptop. If you must use a smartphone, it's best to have the Google Sheets App downloaded, but know that it will still be more cumbersome to navigate, especially with large sheets. Edit Within Google Sheets It's best to
Adam Garrett
May 16, 20237 min read


Buyer Ratified Contract! Now What?
Here I'll be going over various items regarding ratified contracts for buyers. REIN Offers vs VAR Offers REIN Offers (Hampton Roads) vs VAR Offers (Typically, but Not Always, Outside Hampton Roads) Deadlines Caveat - Go by the Contract if Standard Provision Below Not Used My deadlines below are for typical REIN or VAR contracts, though keep in mind that many items can be struck on contracts so if that was the case, or if a number was input in a location that had a different d
Adam Garrett
Apr 29, 202316 min read


Heavily Discounted Commission Limited Service Listing Agents: How to Find Them & Why To Skip Them
It's not uncommon for me to have sellers asking me what I charge for commissions. I have a spreadsheet that goes over those figures in...
Adam Garrett
Apr 21, 20231 min read


Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement: Garrett Realty Partners
A common buyer brokerage agreement used in VA that those at my firm, Garrett Realty Partners (GRP), used to use is the Virginia Association of Realtors (VAR) Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement. I found that it wasn't ideal, and my dad (Greg Garrett, CEO of GRP) felt the same way. GRP now has brought back their own exclusive right to represent buyer form as of 2023. Below I'll be sharing the VAR agreement & the GRP agreement. Another option is the VAR Non-Exclusive R
Adam Garrett
Apr 15, 20233 min read


Instructions for Sellers Listing Property
So you've chosen a real estate agent, prepared your real estate for sale, and are ready to sign the paperwork. Now what? A lot of the...
Adam Garrett
Mar 28, 20231 min read


What Sellers Need to Know Right After Contract Ratification
So you're under contract with a buyer! Now what? You may want to refer to the Responsibilities & Inspector Options Including Deadlines...
Adam Garrett
Feb 11, 20238 min read


Backup Offers: Making Property Available, Seeing Property & Making Offers After Already Under Contract
A home that went under contract 3 times, the 3rd time via a backup contract, with the seller terminating offer #2 once contractually able...
Adam Garrett
Feb 11, 202310 min read


Virginia Association of Realtors Non-Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreements
In this article, I'll be going over, in brief, the Virginia Association of Realtors (VAR) buyer brokerage agreements in chronological order. This form is still present as of today, 2/5/23 in the 7/19 version. The below is not a full summary but provides more details where beneficial. For a deeper dive into buyer brokerage agreements, go here . The buyer brokerage terms include: Exclusive or Non-Exclusive The VAR buyer brokerage agreement has options for exclusive or non-exclu
Adam Garrett
Feb 5, 20236 min read


Disclosures Typically Signed at Time of Buyer Brokerage Agreement at GRP
There are forms that are often signed at time of buyer brokerage agreement in addition to the buyer brokerage agreement itself. These aren't required forms at Garrett Realty Partners, but strongly encouraged. These forms go through a wide variety of issues that are very helpful for buyers to know about. They are primarily an FYI on potential issues.
Adam Garrett
Feb 5, 20231 min read


How to Sign Using Authentisign
Digital signatures are an incredible development in expediting signatures by parties all across the world executing the same document....
Adam Garrett
Dec 29, 20223 min read


Why Seller Surveys?
In this article, I wanted to go over why seller surveys are important. Why Seller Surveys? More Details: Related: Google Sheets Basics...
Adam Garrett
Dec 27, 20221 min read


Termination of Listing or Buyer Brokerage Agreement With Agent & Their Buyers/Sellers In SE Virginia
Today I was asked about what the "termination clause" was in my listing agreement in the event that the seller was unhappy with my service. It was asked during the course of an interview prior to the prospect of listing with me. This article is a response to that and a response to others who may be wondering the same thing. The listing agreements and buyer brokerage agreements that are most commonly used in our area don't get too explicit with termination clauses, while the l
Adam Garrett
Nov 24, 202224 min read


What to Look for in a Listing Agent for Your Home or Other Real Estate
Map of my coverage area for sellers based on price range with MLS in orange & whited-out areas being areas without as solid MLS coverage : The importance of a great listing agent is hard to underemphasize. Many sellers net less money & experience more problems because they weren't diligent enough with their listing agent search. Items to look for before agreeing to interview a prospective agent for a listing appointment: How Experienced Are They (Career Total Volume)? While
Adam Garrett
Nov 24, 202236 min read


Competing Offer Spreadsheet
When I am representing a seller I typically include a competing offer spreadsheet. I also like to show these to buyers before an offer so...
Adam Garrett
Nov 20, 20222 min read


Unrepresented Buyer Wants to Make an Offer on Agent's Listing
It's important to note the following: A. Even if there is a deadline on offers, sometimes, but not always, buyers and sellers will be...
Adam Garrett
Nov 18, 20221 min read


Legality Regarding Buyer Brokerage Form Prior to Showings in VA
If you are ready to do showings or have questions that I am not legally allowed to answer without a buyer brokerage, I recommend that we...
Adam Garrett
Oct 27, 202216 min read


When to Perform a Final Walk Through Inspection
There is typically not 1 "right time" for a walk-through unless repairs aren't completed until <48 hrs before closing. Typically I...
Adam Garrett
Aug 26, 20223 min read


Guide to HUD Homes
1. Owner Occupants, Nonprofits, & Government Agencies Only May Initially Make Offers There is typically an “ exclusive ” period initially...
Adam Garrett
May 6, 20226 min read
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