Tag Archives : home buying

24 years ago, Tom and I started our business. Tom was sitting in a $5 plastic chair from Food Lion. After some initial success, we could have clearly bought a chair but we were using what we had, reinvesting in our business and education. I’ll never forget when the arm broke off and was flapping around.

I couldn’t find the picture of Tom sitting in the chair (probably for the best)
Here’s the thing — it’s easy to get caught up in how things look. None of that matters if you’re not doing the work. Lead with revenue. Earn the right to upgrade. And until then? Sit in the $5 chair!

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My first love language? Words of affirmation. My second? Strategy.
Tom and I are always buying, always studying the market, always thinking five steps ahead. But even for us, it’s not always easy.
I know so many of you feel the same way. You’re sitting in a house with a sweet 2.5% interest rate, thinking, Why would I give this up? You want more space, a better location, a fresh start—but that low rate feels like golden handcuffs. And the fear of making the wrong move? It’s real.
But here’s what I know: fear keeps people stuck, and stuck people don’t build wealth.
If rates drop, that dream home you’ve been waiting for? It just got further out of reach. And if you’re holding out for the perfect time to sell? The second inventory rises, we’re back to price wars and beauty pageants.
This market isn’t about waiting—it’s about strategy! The people who win aren’t the ones sitting on the sidelines, hoping for perfect conditions. They’re the ones who understand the game, make smart moves, and position themselves for the future.
Even when it feels scary, t r u s t. Because no one builds wealth or changes their life by waiting for permission. – Joanne

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Joanne Curtin from Roswell, Georgia knows that the current real estate market may be tough to handle but if you follow your DREAM and have support – YOU CAN SUCCEED TOO!
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As shared in the second edition of Your First Home, written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan:

“Buying a home is a big decision – particularly your first home – but it is one of the best choices anyone can make. It’s a place that is entirely your own. Something you can paint, renovate, and live a full life in. Secondly, the reality is that homes are an incredible way to accumulate generational wealth. Because home isn’t only where your heart is, it’s where your money is, too. There are few places you will treasure more than your home and no place that will add more to your personal treasury.”

While the prospect of homeownership is exciting, it can also be filled with complexities as you embark on the journey for the very first time. Yet, have no fear! If you’d like to receive a copy of the book that contains a complete guide to first-time homebuying, Your First Home, fill out this form and we will get a copy to you!

Click HERE To Receive Your Free Guide

Deciding to Buy

First-time homebuyer fears can range from “I can’t afford to buy a home” to “I can’t buy a home because my credit score is too bad.” While it can be natural to have these thoughts, it’s important to face fears with facts. Let’s take affordability, for instance.

Fear #1: “I can’t afford to buy a home now.”

Fact: Until you do the math, you don’t know what you can or can’t afford.

If you are currently paying rent, generally you can afford to buy. From a financial point of view, in the United States, the tax savings on mortgage interest alone usually make up most of the difference between your rent and mortgage payments – the tax write-offs you get at the end of the year will generally help you save a lot of money.

Additionally, depending on your credit score, you can end up affording more than you realize. The credit scores used for mortgage lending take on a much larger picture of your overall credit score.

Although there may be a higher initial cost to buying a house, if you’re planning on staying in one place for a few years, the equity you build can end up being a financial boon. And did you know that even if you’ve owned a home, you might still be considered a “first-time” buyer? Under many programs, the definition of a first-time homebuyer includes someone who’s never owned a home or who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years.

Fear #2: “I should wait until the real estate market gets better.”

Fact: There is never a wrong time to buy the right home.

Whether “right” means the right price or the right property for you, waiting for the perfect market timing seldom works to your advantage. If you don’t believe us, look back to the Great Recession when the bubble around the housing market burst, GDP declined 4.5%, and unemployment rose to around 9.5%. But like those who endured the Great Depression, those who lived through the Great Recession made it through and benefited from an era of financial growth. In fact, immediately following the Great Recession, the United States entered the longest period of rising prices and general prosperity since World War II.

In the end, there are two ways to make money in real estate: timing and time. Either you happen upon the right moment to purchase before prices appreciate, or you hold it long enough for appreciation to make your investment worthwhile. If you miss the first, you can most certainly count on the second.

Fear #3: “I don’t have the money for a down payment.”

Fact: There are a variety of down-payment options available to you.

While many believe that buying a home requires a substantial down payment, as much as 20%, this is seldom true. You can buy with as little as 5% down – sometimes even less. Moreover, most states have down-payment assistance programs that can help.

House-hacking is also a great way to make homeownership more affordable. This involves purchasing a property and leasing out a bedroom or unit to offset your mortgage. Alternatively, platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo can generate income to cover your mortgage while you’re away.

Fear #4: “I can’t buy a home because my credit score isn’t good.”

Fact: A less-than-perfect credit score won’t necessarily prevent you from buying a home.

A poor credit score shouldn’t stop you from talking to lenders. A good loan officer or mortgage specialist can help resolve credit challenges, sometimes by consolidating debts or referring you to a credit counselor.

If you have no credit history because you’re new to the workforce or haven’t made purchases on credit, alternative solutions exist. A cosigner (such as a parent) can help, or lenders may consider alternative forms of credit history like rent and utility payments.

As real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran advises:

“The perfect time to buy a house? When you can afford the down payment–not when you’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ market. Houses went up 4% this last year. They’re even going to go up more next year. So you’re not really saving anything by waiting.”

The pattern will continue: Prices will rise. Interest rates won’t drop drastically. The sooner you buy, the better.

Finding Your Agent

The legal, financing, and regulatory aspects of real estate transactions are complex. To navigate them successfully, finding a licensed real estate agent is crucial. A good agent serves as an advocate for your interests, ensuring a smooth and informed process.

What a Real Estate Agent Does:

Educates you about the market
Analyzes your wants and needs
Guides you to homes that fit your criteria
Coordinates with professionals like inspectors and lenders
Negotiates on your behalf
Manages paperwork and deadlines
Solves any problems that arise
Questions to ask when choosing an agent:

Why did you become a real estate agent?
Why should I work with you?
What process will you use to help me find the right home?
Shape

Securing Financing

While owning a home is exciting, mortgages can seem daunting. However, the basics come down to four key factors:

Down Payment: You don’t necessarily need 20% down; assistance programs exist.
Interest Rate: Lower rates save you money in the long run.
Term: 15, 20, or 30-year loans impact your equity-building and payments.
Loan Type: Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages affect long-term costs.
Shape

Homeownership is one of the best financial decisions you can make. While fears exist, facts reveal that buying a home is more achievable than many realize. The sooner you start, the more wealth you build over time. If you’re ready to take the leap, our team at the Curtin Team is here to guide you every step of the way!

Have questions? Click HERE to receive information on our next live Home Buyer Workshop where you can learn more and get all your questions answered.

I have a masters in early childhood education. I spent 5 years teaching during the day and working nights at a restaurant. Then, in 2001, I quit!
But here’s the thing—I didn’t just quit to escape; I quit to build something better.
It’s okay to run away from something that isn’t serving you. But never quit unless you’re running toward something greater.
That decision changed my life. Because wealth, freedom, and success aren’t found in playing it safe—they’re built by those willing to bet on themselves.
Go make a move and level up! — Joanne

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Hey y’all, it’s Joanne! I just got back from Keller Williams’ Family Reunion, where Gary Keller gave his annual Vision Speech—breaking down what’s happening in the housing market and what it means for all of us. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to unpack!

Now, I know the headlines can be overwhelming, and you might be wondering:
“Is now a good time to buy or sell? Should I wait? What’s next?”
So, let’s talk about it in real terms—because while the market is shifting, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there.

Where We Are Now: The Big Picture
The real estate market is definitely feeling a slowdown, with home sales projected to be around 4.2 million in 2025—the lowest we’ve seen in nearly 30 years. That’s a big shift from what we got used to in the past decade. Now, historically, when the market dips like this, it takes about three to four years to fully bounce back, which means we may not see things feel truly ‘normal’ again until 2026 or later.

KWFR 2025

But before you panic—let’s put things in perspective.

Home prices are still strong overall, and while we saw some crazy price jumps after the pandemic, things are trending back toward affordability. In other words, real estate is still one of the best investments you can make—it’s just about knowing how to navigate today’s market.

2025 KWFR

For Buyers: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying, here’s some good news for you:

Price Stability – Even though the number of homes sold is lower, the overall market is still moving. In fact, 2024 saw $2.2 trillion in home sales—making it the third-best year on record. That tells us that home values aren’t falling off a cliff.

More Negotiation Power – We’re seeing more price reductions—from 24% of listings in early 2024 to 31% in early 2025. That means more room to negotiate and better deals for buyers! And as more inventory hits the market, that trend should continue.

Real Estate is a Long-Term Game – If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to buy—you might be waiting forever. The truth is, real estate appreciates over time, and the sooner you get in, the better your long-term returns. Like Jay Papasan (one of the smartest guys in the business) said, “Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.”

Bottom line? If you find the right home at the right price and it fits your budget, don’t be afraid to go for it!

For Sellers: What to Expect

If you’re thinking about selling, you can still win in this market—you just have to be strategic.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell – With fewer buyers in the market, homes aren’t flying off the shelves overnight like they did a couple of years ago. That means pricing right from the start is more important than ever. Overpricing will just cause your home to sit longer and force price cuts later.

Less Transactions, More Volume – There are fewer deals happening, but when they do, they’re still moving big dollar amounts. This means there’s still demand, but buyers are being more selective—so you’ve got to stand out.

Stay Positive & Work with the Right Agent – The long-term outlook is still strong for real estate. Home values hold steady over time, and working with an experienced agent (hi!) can help you price, market, and sell your home the right way.

Final Thoughts: There’s Still Opportunity!

I know the market feels uncertain right now, but here’s the truth: there’s never a “bad” time to buy or sell—only a bad strategy.

If you’re buying, now’s the time to negotiate strong and take advantage of price reductions. If you’re selling, it’s all about smart pricing and great marketing to attract serious buyers.

The best thing you can do? Stay informed, get good advice, and don’t let fear make your decisions for you. If you have questions, we’re here to help—whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of it all.

‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions! Joanne and I began our New Year’s Day by reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for 2025. I wanted to share some strategies and questions to make your goal-setting process more meaningful. Before diving into the details, let’s explore a few methods to ensure your resolutions truly stick.

Proven Strategies for Goal-Setting Success
Did you know that writing your goals down can increase your chances of achieving them by 40% to 50%? There’s something powerful about putting pen to paper—it engages your subconscious mind and helps clarify what you genuinely want. Typing on your phone or computer just isn’t the same! Once you’ve written your goals, share them with someone who can hold you accountable. Talking about your plans with a trusted friend or partner makes it much more likely you’ll follow through, especially if they check in on your progress.
Now that you’re ready to write down your goals and share them, there’s an important first step to take: reflection. It’s a step many of us skip, but it’s essential for setting intentions that truly matter.

A Crucial First Step: Reflect on the Past
Before you start setting goals, take some time to reflect on 2024. This step not only helps you identify areas for growth but also allows you to build on the successes and lessons of the past year. Joanne and I started our reflection with these two simple but impactful questions:

1. What brought you joy in 2024? Take a positive approach by recalling the moments and people that made you happy. Looking through the photos on your phone can help jog your memory and remind you of what you’d like to continue or expand in 2025.
2. What were your biggest challenges in 2024, and what did you learn from them? Reflecting on difficulties can reveal your resilience and highlight valuable lessons. Recognizing your growth can inspire you to set ambitious but achievable goals for the year ahead.

A Look Further Back: Your Biggest Memory of 2023
Here’s a fun challenge: try to recall your most significant memory from 2023. It’s surprising how quickly memories fade! Reflecting on this can help you focus on what truly matters for 2025. Before you start scrolling through old photos, take a moment to see what comes to mind naturally—it’s a great way to gauge what made the biggest impact on you.

Clarifying Your Vision for 2025
Once you’ve reflected on the past, it’s time to look ahead. Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
* What problems do you most want to solve? Identify small, actionable habits to address these problems. For example, if you want to stop snacking late at night, consider setting an alarm as a reminder or replacing the habit with something positive, like reading a book upstairs away from the kitchen.
* What discipline do you need support with?
* Which relationships need your focus in 2025?
Finally, take a moment to imagine your perfect day in 2025. Create two versions: one for a weekday and one for a weekend. Be realistic—your perfect day should reflect your current responsibilities and lifestyle. For instance, if driving your daughter to school is part of your routine, include that in your weekday scenario. Add as much detail as possible, from the time you wake up to when you go to bed.

Turning Reflection into Action
After answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you want to achieve. Writing out your goals in specific categories can be helpful—think financial, business, personal, relationships, spiritual, and health. But remember, goals don’t have to be long lists of bullet points. Lately, Joanne and I have focused on setting goals that bring us joy and bring us closer to living our perfect day more often.
As a couple, supporting each other’s aspirations has deepened our connection. Helping Joanne achieve her goals brings me happiness, and together, we prioritize who we’re becoming, not just what we’re accomplishing.

Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet
The start of a new year is a chance to reflect, dream, and take action. Whether you’re tackling big goals or small habits, I hope these strategies help you approach 2025 with clarity and purpose. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and meaningful progress!

Did you know the real estate market affects you, even if you’re not planning to move or buy a home? Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just curious about the economy, the housing market has a ripple effect on everything from personal finances to the broader economy. Understanding these trends can help you stay ahead and make smarter decisions for your future. Curious how? Let’s dive in!

Here are answers and my predictions to four of the most common questions we’re hearing right now:

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?
Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, overall economic conditions, the labor market, and even the geopolitical landscape. Rates have risen as the Fed works to combat inflation. While there’s no exact timeline, many experts suggest rates could stabilize or decrease once inflation is under control and the economy shows consistent signs of improvement. Some predict this could happen in 2025, but it ultimately depends on economic data and future Fed decisions.

For buyers, waiting for lower rates might not always be the best strategy. Acting strategically—such as locking in today’s rates—can make sense, especially as high rates have reduced buyer competition. This often means better negotiating power when purchasing a home.

My prediction? Mortgage rates likely won’t meaningfully reduce until 2026.

When Will Home Prices Come Down?
In short, they won’t—at least not significantly. Housing prices are driven by supply and demand. Currently, most markets in our area face a shortage of inventory, which keeps prices elevated. For prices to drop, we’d need a substantial increase in supply or a major drop in demand. However, cautious builders, a lack of large parcels of land, and homeowners holding onto their low mortgage rates make widespread price declines unlikely.

What we might see instead is a slower rate of appreciation, which offers buyers some relief but not a complete reversal of prices. This environment creates opportunities to purchase at more reasonable valuations with less competition, reducing the risk of buying at a market peak. It’s also a good time to explore long-term rental investments.

My prediction? Our area will return to a normal appreciation rate of 4–5% by 2025.

Will the Housing Market Pick Up Next Year?
The housing market’s trajectory in 2025 will depend on economic stability and consumer confidence. If mortgage rates start to decline, we could see increased buyer activity. Additionally, pent-up demand from buyers who paused their searches due to high rates or election uncertainty could drive new market momentum. Many of these buyers are waiting on the sidelines, ready to jump back in when conditions improve.

My prediction? 2025 will see more home sales than 2024. I do not foresee it as a boom, but
a higher volume than this past year

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
A market crash like 2008 is improbable. The current market is underpinned by strong fundamentals: tighter lending standards, significant homeowner equity, and sustained demand. While there are challenges —such as affordability issues due to higher prices and rates — these don’t equate to a crash. Instead, the market is undergoing a correction, with cooling in overly hot areas and a shift toward more balanced conditions.What this looks like now is a home selling process that involves negotiation on both sides, more balance between a buyer and seller market. The market will always have fluctuations and instead of fixating on timing the market, focus on securing a home that fits your needs and budget. For both buyers and sellers, this is a time to work closely with real estate professionals to navigate the evolving landscape.

My prediction? While the market presents challenges, strategic buyers who act now can benefit from reduced competition and position themselves for long-term appreciation and stability.

Final Thoughts
The real estate market is always changing, influenced by everything from the economy to politics and even social trends. While rising rates and limited inventory might feel like obstacles, they also open the door to unique opportunities for savvy buyers and investors. By staying informed and understanding the bigger picture, you can make confident decisions—whether you’re searching for your dream home, exploring investment options, or just keeping an eye on the market. Want to know how current trends could impact your plans? Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss your goals!

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to start. Even if you think you’re not ready, proper preparation can help you jump on the right opportunity when it comes. As experienced real estate agents, we’ve had the privilege of helping countless first-time buyers navigate this process. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare for the journey ahead. Let’s dive into the key steps of buying your first home!

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Situation to Determine Your Homebuying Budget
Before you start dreaming about your ideal home, you need to understand your financial situation. Knowing your credit score, monthly budget, and how much you can realistically afford are essential first steps. Take the time to review your financial standing. This means looking at your savings, debts, and any other expenses that may impact your mortgage eligibility.

A great starting point is to connect with a lender. They can help you figure out how much you can borrow and set realistic expectations before you begin your house search. Pre-approval strengthens your offer later and shows sellers that you’re serious about buying.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage to Speed Up the Process
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is crucial in today’s competitive market. It shows sellers that you are a legitimate buyer and helps you set a concrete budget for your house hunt. The pre-approval process involves submitting financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and employment verification.

If you haven’t yet chosen a lender, don’t worry! We work closely with trusted mortgage professionals who specialize in helping first-time buyers. Getting pre-approved also means you’ll know exactly what kind of mortgage you qualify for, giving you confidence as you start your search.

Step 3: Identify Your Needs vs. Wants in a Home
Now comes the fun part—imagining what your new home will look like! But first, you’ll need to distinguish between your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves.” For instance, do you need three bedrooms, or could you get by with two? Is a large backyard essential, or could a smaller one work if the house is in the right neighborhood?

Listing your needs and wants helps streamline your search and ensures you don’t get distracted by features that aren’t necessary. This will keep you focused and prevent any future regrets.

Step 4: Start Touring Homes That Fit Your Criteria
House hunting can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the process, but it can also be overwhelming. We can guide you through various neighborhoods and homes that meet your criteria. As exciting as it can be to tour different properties, remember to stay grounded in your budget and priorities.

It’s normal to have to make compromises, but don’t feel pressured into buying a home that doesn’t meet your most important needs. With patience, you’ll find a house that checks off most of the boxes!

Step 5: Make an Offer on Your Dream Home
Found the perfect home? Great! Now it’s time to make an offer. This is where things can get a little nerve-wracking, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you craft a competitive offer based on current market trends and property value.

We’ll negotiate on your behalf, whether it’s the final purchase price, closing costs, or contingencies, to ensure you get the best possible deal. And remember, it’s not just about offering the highest price but also about presenting the most appealing terms to the seller.

Step 6: Conduct a Home Inspection Before You Finalize the Deal
Once your offer is accepted, the next crucial step is the home inspection. A professional home inspector will assess the property to ensure there are no major structural or mechanical issues. The inspection will give you peace of mind and help you avoid any unwanted surprises after closing.

If the inspection uncovers any problems, we’ll help negotiate repairs or price adjustments to address these issues. After this, you’ll be ready to move forward with the closing process.

Step 7: Close the Deal and Get the Keys to Your New Home
The final step is closing, where you’ll finalize your mortgage and sign all the necessary paperwork. Once everything is completed, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.
Congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner!

Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Homeownership
Buying your first home can feel intimidating at times, but with the right preparation and guidance, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences. From setting a budget to closing the deal, each step is essential in making your homeownership dreams come true.

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge or simply want to learn more about the process, feel free to reach out. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, turning your homeownership dreams into reality!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much should I save for a down payment on my first home?
Typically, first-time homebuyers should aim for a down payment of at least 5% to 20% of the home’s purchase price. However, some loan programs offer lower down payment options.

2. How does getting pre-approved for a mortgage help?
A mortgage pre-approval helps you understand your borrowing power, sets your budget, and strengthens your offer when bidding on a home.

3. What should I prioritize when house hunting?
Focus on your needs first—such as location, size, and budget. Wants like extra space or luxury finishes can come second to make sure you stay within budget.

4. How long does the home-buying process take?
From start to finish, the home-buying process typically takes 30 to 60 days, depending on factors like loan approval and the local housing market.

5. Is a home inspection necessary?
Yes! A home inspection ensures there are no hidden issues with the property that could cause problems later. It’s a crucial step before finalizing any purchase.

On August 17, a historic change reshaped real estate transactions, following a settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This impacts how compensation is handled, bringing more transparency to the process for both buyers and sellers. But what exactly has changed, and how does it affect you as a consumer of real estate services?

Understanding the Changes in Real Estate Compensation

While compensation in real estate transactions has always been negotiable, the way this compensation is paid might change. When selling a home, the homeowner now has a choice of whether to pay a buyer’s agent or not. This option has always existed, but a recent lawsuit and the resulting rule change have drawn more attention to it.

Benefits for Consumers
This shift is advantageous for consumers as it brings more transparency and disclosure about who pays what and how much. For professional real estate agents, this change also highlights their value—or lack thereof—to consumers.

To enhance this transparency, the Georgia Association of Realtors has updated the forms used in transactions. For instance, the Exclusive Seller Brokerage Engagement Agreement, the document used to engage a client when marketing and selling their home, now provides more details about compensation paid to both the seller’s broker and the buyer’s broker. Real estate professionals can now better explain how compensation works, the choices sellers have, and the pros and cons of offering or not offering compensation to a buyer’s broker. Ideally, this conversation should have been happening even before the rule change, but that was not always the case.

New Requirement for Buyers
Another significant rule change requires buyers to sign an agreement with their real estate agent before they start looking at homes, whether in person or virtually. This document has been in use by many Realtors, including The Curtin Team, but is now mandatory. The Georgia Association of Realtors has updated this document to clearly state the compensation the buyer’s broker will receive. Known as the Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Engagement, this document outlines scenarios where a buyer’s broker may be compensated, whether directly from the buyer, the seller, or the seller’s broker, and specifies the amount and services covered.

At The Curtin Team, we have always trained our partner agents to begin a relationship with a buyer by meeting to understand their goals and educate them on the process—including how we are compensated and the benefits of signing an engagement to work together.

Types of Compensation for Buyer’s Brokers
Compensation for brokers working with buyers can take various forms, including but not limited to:

– A fixed-fee commission paid directly by the buyers.
– Concessions from the seller.
– A portion of the listing broker’s compensation.

I am thrilled that this practice is now required, bringing more transparency to our industry. I believe it will elevate professionalism and encourage those who may not best serve buyer clients to pursue other directions. This change presents an opportunity to showcase our value.

Industry Impact
“This isn’t a significant shift for us, but our industry has never seen anything like this,” said Joanne Curtin, Founder of The Curtin Team. “We have more buyers coming to us now seeking expert guidance, and we are confident in providing a superior customer experience by having these conversations and highlighting potential value gaps between Realtors,” she added.

We are already seeing a shift in buyer engagement and increased transparency. Buyers might want to limit the number of days they agree to the engagement or restrict the contract to specific homes.

Changes in Communicating Compensation
Another new rule states that offers of compensation cannot be communicated on Multiple Listing Services (MLS). What does this mean? If a listing broker gets a seller’s approval to make an offer of compensation to a buyer’s broker, it cannot be shared on an MLS. However, it can be communicated through other marketing avenues. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever to hire a real estate professional with a strong marketing presence and a solid local agent network.

Benefits of Offers of Compensation
Offers of compensation benefit both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it ensures access to representation throughout the homebuying process, helping them achieve homeownership on terms that best suit them. For sellers, it attracts more buyers and broadens the pool of prospective buyers by lowering the barrier for those who may not be able to afford to pay buyer agent compensation out of pocket.

For Sellers
Compensation is negotiable. The amount you pay should reflect the value you receive. Your real estate professional should guide you through the available options and help you make the best choice for your home sale. Trust your real estate professional, but if they cannot clearly explain your options and justify their compensation, seek a second opinion.

For Buyers
In Georgia, it’s “buyer beware.” Due diligence falls on the buyer, so having a professional guide you is wise. Asking a Realtor to show you a home without signing an agreement is not an option. If someone is willing to break the law and do it anyway, consider whether that is the person you want representing your best interests. Now more than ever, a strong relationship with an experienced real estate team is crucial!

We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance. Please reach out if we can assist you.