When Should You Sign A Buyer's Agency Agreement With A Realtor In Charlotte,NC.?

This question has been around since North Carolina instituted buyer's agency. But, the question remains open as to when do you sign a contract with a realtor to have them work exclusively with you? Most Brokers and trainers out there will tell realtors to get one signed as soon as they can. But is that the best thing for both of you? There is some risk involved in not having a client sign a buyer's agency on the Realtor's part with time and money spent (and potentially lost) if they go to work with someone else after the first Realtor has done all the work for them and found them the house. On the other hand, what if after you have signed that buyer's agency agreement you cannot get the Realtor to call you back? Or they take their time in calling you back/ You are unfortunately under a contract with that realtor up to a certain time period...most go six months to a year. So, there is arguments for both sides. I have been on the side of losing a client for not having a buyer's agency signed and know how it feels...But, on the other hand; I have always looked at this business as one in where I am helping someone make the largest financial decision of their lives at that time. You should not push someone to work with you. I personally, explain the buyer's agency agreement to ALL buyers and give them a copy of it to look over and read. I believe they should not be pressured into signing it and if they are not completely 100% satisfied with me or my services then by all means fire me. I am confident enough in my abilities and work hard for every client that I do not worry about losing someone for that reason. I have some clients sign the form the day after reading it. I have had others sign it when they knew the house they wanted to buy and wanted to put an offer in. And everything in between. the difference is I do not pressure them it sign it. I think to many realtors work on the adage and old philosophy that the buyer will leave them in a heartbeat if they do not get it signed. I work on the adage that good things come to people that wait and work hard... I want someone to sign it because they have entrusted me with helping them make the decision to help them through the process of finding a home and closing on it. Not because I made them do it. If you are talking to Realtors out there and they insist they cannot help you without signing it; find another realtor...if you are happy and comfortable with your realtor and know that he/she has your best interest at heart...sign the form. But there is no law in North Carolina that says a buyer agency agreement must be signed in order to view homes. Only if you want representation when you submit an offer...Then I recommend you sign before that. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com

Do You Talk To The Neighbors Before Buying A House?

As much as the internet has helped consumers get educated on a lot of topics quickly...there are still things that first time home buyers generally do not take into account when they are looking for a home. First time home buyers overlook the neighborhood a lot when they are buying a house. They may know the location and the area pretty well...but they do not know the neighborhood the house is located in. Buying a home is the largest purchase anyone makes in their lives. I know I wanted to know who was living on each side of me and across the street from me. When you move into that first house; you feel you found the right house at the right price in the right area....But what are your neighbors like? Neighbors can and do have an influence on you and your family and neighborhood.... for example, when I moved into the house i am in now 2 and half years ago; I knocked on at least 10 different neighbors doors to ask them about the neighborhood and kids in the area and whether there was any issues I should be aware of....To date; these are now some of my best friends. They helped swing me to the house I chose and I have not looked back once. Having four kids in all different ages wanting to know if there were other children for them to play with in the neighborhood was a large factor for us when we were looking for a house. Yet, most first time buyers do not take into consideration the neighbors when they are looking at buying a house. Once you purchase a house it is a long term investment for you and your family. Chances are the neighbors are in the same position as well. So, why would you not want to know who your neighbors are when looking for a house? Having neighbors that you can rely on are important factors that first time home buyers generally do not consider when looking at a house.... Just as good as the neighbors are that I have now; what if it was the opposite? I would want out of the neighborhood and may take a loss on the largest investment I have made in my life just to get out of the neighborhood.... I advise every buyer I have to go and talk to the neighbors...it can make the difference between your happiness and not..... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com