Initial Buyer Consultation w/ Adam Garrett: 3rd Generation Realtor®

Here are details on initial consultations for buyers with real estate agents, particularly with Adam since all real estate agents' skill sets aren't the same, & primarily geared toward a face-to-face consultation (in person or over Zoom that allows Adam to screen share) so that he can integrate visuals into the discussion to enhance the buyer's understanding, more clearly understand the buyer's preferences, accomplish more in less time, & otherwise:

1. Why In-Person or Face to Face with Screen Share Meetings are Best

1. Part of your time putting together a search as a buyer should be assessing the competency, honesty, and knowledge of the real estate agent in order to determine whether or not they will be a good fit for you.

2. Establishing Better Searches Faster, including by seeing the search as it's being created

3. See pertinent visual details that can help inform the search criteria

4. Faster understanding of the buyer & the agent

5. More educational

6. Alleviating agent concerns of Catfish Buyers when no prior face-to-face has occurred & when other common aspects of catfish buyers are present. While it may come as a surprise, in some weeks in my career, I have received more catfish buyer inquiries than legitimate ones. Multiple sources, such as the Virginia Association of Realtors, advise face-to-face discussions with buyers and sellers to avoid getting scammed.

2. Gaining a Better Understanding of the Buyer

One of the first elements of discussion is getting a better idea of the situation of the buyer, i.e.:

1. What area are they currently located in?

2. What kind of property are they looking to purchase?

3. Why are they looking to buy? (i.e. for owner-occupants, how long will they be looking to stay there)

4. What price range are they looking in?

5. Will they be seeing homes in person or via video?

Here are some pertinent articles:

• Commercial Property Purchases & Sales

• Investors

• Military

3. Gaining a Better Understanding of the Buyer's Desired Area

1. Where are they looking to buy?

2. Do they have much experience in our area?

3. If outside of Adam's coverage area, do they need a referral to another agent?

Here are some pertinent articles:

• Area Guide

• Environmental Area Guide

• Factors to Consider to Help Determine Where to Find Your New Home

• More articles specific to SE VA

• More articles specific to area

4. Discussing Finances

While this discussion tends to be short for cash purchasers, there are a wide variety of possibilities to explore, i.e.:

1. Finances generally:

i.e. credit, budgeting, savings, insurance, debt reduction, etc.

2. Financial aspects specific to your purchase:

i.e. lender recommendations, mortgage recommendations, programs to buy if you don't have a down payment, Low or No Credit Mortgages, programs to reduce home costs, what you need to buy, etc.

3. The Market 

4. Interest Rates & Projections

5. Establish Searches

One of the top reasons why buyers seek to speak to real estate agents is to establish a search on 1 or more MLS geared toward their preferences.

I recommend establishing searches typically after preapproval, so if you haven't been preapproved yet, it's often best to hold off on this step (unless considering a cash purchase).

Some of the ways that visuals enhance search creation include:

1. It's helpful to have a visual of some of the main options for search by looking directly at what I'm looking at for criteria. It's also nice to see the number of results in real-time, as a search between 20-50 properties is typically ideal.

2. If using any map layers, like a template I've created for USDA geographical zone properties only or properties that exclude hurricane evacuation zones, it's helpful to see exactly where that is & how many properties that is.

By having a visual of the search, it's also easier to go through potential properties together.

For more details on search creation with an agent, go to my article on optimizing that here.

6. Educating Buyers on Search Portal Navigation Tips Visually

I recommend this step typically after preapproval unless considering purchasing in cash.

Real-time search portal navigation tips also shouldn't typically occur unless in person or over a platform that allows screen share since it would be better for Adam to email you these if simply speaking over the phone.

For instance, I often like to quickly show buyers how to locate flood zones directly within MLS while setting up the searches for them, which is critical to know for many SE VA cities/counties, with some cities/counties having more properties in flood zones than not in flood zones.

7. Working with Adam & Buyer Brokerage Agreements

While the discussion is based partially on a buyer's prior purchases (i.e. less discussion for those who have previously purchased in VA with an agent and those who have used buyer brokerage agreements in other states before), here are some of the potential discussion points:

• What Adam Offers Buyers

• Legal Duties of Buyer's Agents, Per Virginia Law

• Legality Regarding Buyer Brokerage Form Prior to Showings in VA

• Non-Exclusive & Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreements

• Other Disclosures

If you'd like to plan out exactly what you'd like to discuss in a search consultation with Adam, one option, though not required, is to fill out this form.

Related:

1. How To Join Zoom & Screen Share On Zoom (including best practices like using a large screen with a webcam instead of your phone to be able to see my screen better)

2. Tips for Search Creation with Your Agent

3. Why It's Important to Get Immediate Property Search Updates & Not Rely on Concierge Mode

4. Seemingly Harmless Questions With Major Consequences if Answered Directly

5. What Adam Offers Buyers

6. Mortgage Recommendations

7. Long-Term Financial Preparations for a Home Purchase & How Adam Can Help