Buyers Guide

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics: A REALTOR® is more than just another real estate Agent or salesperson.
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it’s probably one of the largest financial investments of your entire life!

For this reason, it helps to have a trusted professional on your side. A REALTOR® is more than just another real estate Agent or salesperson. REALTORS® have training in ethics for their dealings with the public and with the real estate community.

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is the cornerstone of the National Association of REALTORS® (“NAR”) ethics training. It guides REALTORS® and shows the public the level of commitment, education and dedication to their profession that each member of NAR possesses.

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics was first established by NAR in 1913. The market has changed a lot in over 100 years, so the code has been updated annually to keep up with the times.

The code is a living, dynamic statement to guide REALTORS® in their daily professional lives. While times have changed, the core principles are long-standing and guarantee fair dealings with clients, the public, and other REALTORS®. For example, the code’s articles include:

REALTORS® protect and promote their clients’ interests while treating all parties honestly.
• REALTORS® refrain from exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts related to property or transactions.
• REALTORS® cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance their clients’ best interests.
• When buying or selling on their own account or for their families or firms, REALTORS® make their true position or interest known.
• REALTORS® make sure that contract details are spelled out in writing and that parties receive copies.
• REALTORS® give equal professional service to all clients and customers irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation.
• REALTORS® paint a true picture in their advertising, marketing, and other representations.
• REALTORS® make only truthful, objective comments about other real estate professionals.

In choosing a REALTOR®, home Buyers and Sellers are selecting a professional who voluntarily holds to a high ethical standard.

Market Max America Realty Agents are taught to go above and beyond.

Our website is designed to be a learning tool and resource, not just another place where you can search for properties.

We want home BUYERS and SELLERS to be familiar with real estate terminology, so we included a Glossary.

For another example, we want home BUYERS and SELLERS to be familiar with the many steps involved on the way to a successful closing, so we included detailed sections for both BUYERS and SELLERS.

The more you know about real estate, the more you’ll appreciate the enormous value that a Market Max America Realty Agent brings.

Put one of our Agents to work for YOU, and you’ll appreciate us even more!

Easy steps to a happy closing and many reasons why BUYERS should use our Agents

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial investments.

For many people, buying a home and moving are very stressful. All at once, Buyers are faced with so many changes, and with one of life’s biggest financial decisions!

Surely you’d seek professional help for a $100,000 tax problem or legal issue, right? Well, your home is likely to cost even more, so it makes sense to have a professional on your side!

An Agent’s guidance can save you thousands of dollars, and save you from many costly mistakes and headaches. You can turn a stressful time into a happy time like it’s supposed to be!

Yet for all that value they bring, Buyers usually don’t pay any fees or commissions to their Market Max America Realty Agent. In most cases, the Buyer’s Agent is compensated from the Seller’s proceeds at closing.

Below we’ve outlined the steps to a happy closing, so you’ll know what to expect … and how our Buyer’s Agent will help YOU every step of the way!

We help BUYERS with the first steps. Planning ahead before shopping for a home can save you time, money and many headaches later.

Below are just a FEW QUESTIONS to consider:

1. a) Is this the right time to buy?
2. b) What areas are best for you?
3. c) Should you buy a home or a condo?
4. d) What style and size is best for you?
5. e) What features are important to you?
6. f) How much will you qualify for, financially?

The questions above are just the beginning! Many more questions will come up, with many options to consider. While you can research some things on your own, be aware that some online information can be confusing, and even misleading. Also, since every home and every situation is unique, you’re not likely to find answers online that are custom-tailored for you.

What is a Home Buyer to do?

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH PLANNING AND CONSULTATION

Here’s a little secret:

Did you know you can consult an expert to meet with you and help you with all of the above questions, and much more?

Did you know that an expert can do all that at no cost or obligation to you?

That expert is your local Market Max America REALTOR®!

Our experienced Buyer’s Agents know the value of planning ahead before buying, and know every step along the road, because they traveled it many times before!

Below is a list of the steps to a happy closing for BUYERS, and a few of the many ways our Buyer’s Agent will help YOU at every step:

We help BUYERS get pre-approved. A big mistake some Buyers make is to start house-hunting without first knowing how much they can really afford. This can result in spending days or weeks looking in the wrong price range, only to be disappointed.

It’s not always easy to guess what you can afford. Many factors can affect your home-buying power, including your credit score, income, liabilities, profession, length of employment in same line of work, the terms and interest rate offered by your Lender, and other factors.

What is a Home Buyer to do?

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL.

For a start, you can use our Mortgage Calculator to estimate your buying power, although this is only intended as a general aid.

Your Market Max America Realty Agent may be able to give you a more reliable estimate of your buying power, after they have more detailed information.

Better yet, your Agent probably has a list of Lenders and Mortgage Companies they’ve had a good experience with, and some of them may offer especially good deals for your particular situation.

If you don’t already have a Mortgage Pre-Approval that states how much you’re pre-approved for, ask your Agent to refer some Lenders or Mortgage Companies, so that you’ll be ready before you start serious house hunting.

A Pre-Approval Letter from a Lender or Mortgage Company is often required by Sellers and it has many advantages and benefits including:

1. a) Saving time and effort by searching in the right price range from the start!
2. b) You’ll be ready to act quickly when you find the right home and want to make an offer!
3. c) Shows Sellers you’re a serious Buyer, and puts you in a stronger negotiating position!

Our Agents help YOU see new listings first. Another mistake some home Buyers make is to rely too much on public real estate sites, which are often incorrect or out of date.

Incorrect or outdated information can result in much confusion and frustration. Especially when a Buyer learns a home they saw on a public real estate site is not available or sold before they even had a chance to see it. How disappointing!

What is a Home Buyer to do?

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH ONLINE HOME SEARCH

There’s no need to waste time browsing through public real estate sites that are often incorrect or out of date, and that don’t let you customize your search.

There’s a much better way to shop for homes: Contact your Agent and give them your search criteria to receive daily email updates of properties that match your wish list.

You’ll be among the first to know when new listings become available, including multiple photos, room sizes, maps, remarks and more!

All that can be in your inbox the same day you request it from your Agent! And to make sure you don’t miss future listings that match your criteria, you will receive daily updates as new listings become available.

Going through your Agent is the best way to shop for homes online, and it’s a huge time-saver since it allows you to eliminate the ones you don’t like, without spending days driving around!

Our Agents help BUYERS with their selection process. When you look through the email listings from your Agent, you can add notes and select favorites which can be shared and discussed with your Agent.
But what if you have too many favorites? How do you narrow down the list of favorites even more?

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH SELECTING FAVORITES

One way your Market Max America Realty Agent helps you narrow down the list of favorites is by helping you compare objective, factual data, such as by researching public records, taxes, association fees, zoning, schools, utilities, public water and sewer, sales history and more.

After you compare factual data, you may find that some of the properties you initially thought were favorites don’t meet your needs in other ways. Maybe you like the house, but the schools are wrong, or the association fees are too high, or the property isn’t connected to city water, etc.

So now you can save even more time and headaches by crossing those off the list! This will help you to focus in on a handful of properties that are most likely to meet your needs!

Information is power. To avoid regrets, it’s wise to know as many facts as possible about the properties on your favorites list before you get too serious or make an offer.

Our Agents show BUYERS homes in person. While viewing properties online is helpful to narrow down your list of favorites, nothing beats seeing them in person. Viewing properties with your Buyer’s Agent will give you a sense of the neighborhood, physical structure, condition, and features of the property.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH VIEWING PROPERTIES IN PERSON

Schedule in advance: After you screen out your favorites, discuss them with your Agent and schedule a day and time to see them. It’s wise to plan your property viewings at least one day in advance if possible. This will give your Agent time to make showing arrangements. Some Sellers may even require advance notice.

Take documents to showings: While your main focus is to view the property, it may be a good idea for you and your Agent to have a copy of the listing ticket, public records data sheet, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and the Seller’s Disclosure Statement, so you can refer to these, and maybe take notes, while walking through the Property.

Many advantages to seeing properties with your Agent: Having your trusted Market Max America Realty Agent will help you benefit from their years of experience. Your Agent may help you appreciate the value of some features that you may have overlooked. Your Agent may also point out negative features you may have missed on your own. It’s not unusual for Buyers to be emotionally involved with some homes, which can make Buyers unaware to some of the home’s faults.

Having an experienced Buyer’s Agent guide you through a property and give you their honest input can be very valuable, and may even keep you from making a very expensive mistake.

Our Agents help BUYERS decide on the best offer price. Once you find the right home, how much should you offer? The offer price is usually the most important factor that determines the success or failure of your offer.

None of us feel good when we over-pay. And yet, none of us feel good when we lose a property to another Buyer. Neither of those are good scenarios for a Buyer.

So what is the best way to avoid over-paying, yet still make your offer attractive enough to have a good chance of being accepted?

The answer is to try one’s best to make an educated offer where the offer price is not just picked out of the blue or from an unreliable source, but justified with documentation of recent comparable sales in the area.

Although some data about property sales prices can be found on public real estate sites, such data is often incomplete, outdated and poorly organized, so it should not be relied upon for something this important.

Relying on public real estate sites for correct pricing history and information can be misleading and may even cost you big money! It’s meaningless to see what other homes sold for in an area, if you don’t know important details about those homes. This will enable you to make a much more accurate comparison.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH DECIDING ON THE BEST “OFFER PRICE”

There is a much better way! Your Market Max America Realty Agent can help you decide on the best offer price with a Comparative Market Analysis, (CMA), which shows recent market activity for similar homes in your area.

A CMA performed by an experienced Market Max America REALTOR® has many advantages over what you can find on your own, including:

1. DATA. The data available to REALTORS® is usually more accurate, more complete, and more current than what is found on public real estate websites.
2. TECHNOLOGY: The programs REALTORS® use in preparing a CMA are very sophisticated. Your Agent can compare the features of the home you are trying to buy with the features of other homes. This is done by using many features and criteria that are not available on public real estate sites to narrow down the list of homes that are the most comparable.

   For example, REALTORS® can enter data and/or a range of data for the time period, area, school system, distance from the subject property, architectural style, age, size, number of bedrooms, number of baths, existence, type and size of garage, existence and type of basement, and more!

   By comparing facts and features of the home you are trying to buy in an organized, “apples-to-apples” way with other homes, the resulting value estimates are usually more accurate and reliable.

3. EXPERIENCE: In addition to having access to better data and advanced technology, REALTORS® have the big advantage of experience. When one has seen many homes and worked with many Buyers, one naturally develops a sense for value.

   Thus, while the results of “numbers crunching” are important, your Agent may perceive hidden factors that don’t show up in the numbers, such as the current state of the market. So having an Agent’s unbiased opinion of the best offer price may save you valuable time and money, and may even keep you from losing out to another Buyer!

Our Agents help BUYERS prepare the right offer. Before deciding how much to offer and what terms and conditions to include in the offer, Buyers should read and understand as much information as possible about the property they want to buy.

Buyers should also read and understand the entire Offer to Purchase, all amendments, attachments, disclosures and related documents.

It’s also important that Buyers understand which additional conditions may be appropriate to add to their Offer to Purchase, and how each added condition may affect the offer.

Buying a home means entering into one of life’s biggest financial transactions. Since the consequences of mistakes can be great, it’s important that Buyers walk into a home-buying transaction with their eyes open, and with the aid of a competent Buyer’s Agent.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITHPREPARING THE OFFER

Having one of our experienced Buyer’s Agent in your corner at this critical time is a huge advantage. Your Agent can help you to navigate, and understand, some long and tedious documents, including but not limited to:

• Listing ticket
• Available documents related to the listing
• Agency Disclosure
• Seller’s Disclosure Statement
• Lead-Based Paint Seller’s Disclosure
• Buyer’s Offer to Purchase (Purchase Agreement)
• All Addendum’s to the Purchase Agreement

All of the above, and others, are important to understand before signing.

The Buyer’s Agent may also discuss possible optional clauses that Buyer can add as additional conditions to the standard language in the Offer to Purchase, and the pros and cons of adding each one.

While Buyers have a right to add any additional conditions, these should be very carefully worded, since they modify the offer, and may have serious consequences. They could also weaken the Buyer’s offer and cause the Seller to reject it.

Understanding the entire Offer package, including the Buyer’s responsibilities and obligations, is very important because, once an Offer to Purchase is accepted by the Seller, it becomes a legally-binding “Purchase Agreement.”

The Buyer’s Agent can usually answer most questions or concerns related to the Offer documents and procedures. However, some transactions may be more complex and/or unusual, so Buyer is advised that they always have the option to consult with the Agent’s Broker, or with the Buyer’s own Attorney. Where the transaction involves financial or tax consequences, the parties should seek the advice of their accountant or financial adviser.

Our Agents help BUYERS negotiate the best deal. Many factors can be negotiated in real estate transactions, including price, terms, deposits, closing, possession time and charges, items to be included in the sale, inspections, repairs and more.

Negotiating real estate transactions effectively requires strong communication skills, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg, especially when you’re up against an experienced REALTOR®. Remember, when you negotiate you’re in a high-stakes contest. This is a potential minefield where saying the wrong thing at the wrong time could give away your hand, cost you thousands of dollars, or even cause you to lose the deal!

It’s good to know when to stop negotiating because you already have a great deal, and pushing further could make a delicate situation worse. Our experienced Buyer’s Agents can help you recognize the signs.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH NEGOTIATIONS

Our experienced Buyer’s Agents make a big difference in how successful your negotiations are. In our opinion, the best real estate negotiators usually have these qualities:

1. (a) Good communication skills,
2. (b) Not emotionally involved,
3. (c) Knows his/her client’s position on the subjects being negotiated,
4. (d) Listens well for clues,
5. (e) Learns as much as possible about the opposition,
6. (f) Strong knowledge of the current real estate market in the area,
7. (g) Strong negotiating experience with home sales.

Let’s face it, Buyers are usually not the best negotiators, precisely because they do not exercise these important points. Our Buyer’s Agent can save you thousands of dollars with this step alone!

Our Agents help BUYERS through inspections. After a Seller accepts an Offer, it becomes a legally-binding Purchase Agreement, but there are still many terms, conditions and contingencies that must be met before the closing.

Below are a few common conditions and contingencies in Purchase Agreements:

1. (a) Title Objections: If you have objections to the condition of the title, see your Purchase Agreement for what rights you and the other party may have, what procedure must be followed, and what time frame you must act within.
2. b) Mortgage Contingency: When a Lender or Mortgage Company is involved, see your Purchase Agreement for what procedure must be followed, what time frame you must act within, and what rights you and the other party may have.
3. (c) Inspection and Due Diligence Contingency: When there is a property inspection and/or due diligence contingency, see your Purchase Agreement for what rights you and the other party may have, what procedure must be followed, and what time frame you must act within.

Most inspection and due diligence contingencies give the Buyer a specific time period after Seller’s acceptance, during which time the Buyer may have the property inspected, at Buyer’s expense.

Common property inspections are done for visible features, such as the roof, attic, foundation, windows, siding, heating, plumbing, electrical, etc. Inspections can also be done for pools, pests, mold and air quality, radon gas, lead-based paint, asbestos, well and septic systems, and more.

Some agreements, but not all, allow the Buyer to perform due diligence and research during this time. Due diligence may include, any inspections or research deemed necessary by Buyer to ensure the property meets the Buyer’s needs and intended use.

If Buyers are not satisfied with the results of the inspections and due diligence, then Buyers must follow the procedure outlined in the Purchase Agreement, and act within the stated time period.

See your Purchase Agreement for details, including rights you and the other party may have if you are not satisfied, and the time period you must act within.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH INSPECTIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE

There are many advantages to having one of our experienced Buyer’s Agent in your corner during the Inspection Period, including:

1. (a) Refer you to home inspectors.
2. (b) Review and understand the inspection report.
3. (c) Take actions to resolve any inspection-related issues in a timely way.
4. (d) Advise you against buying a property that could become a huge financial loss.
5. (e) Provide professional references for relatively minor repairs.
6. (f) Skills and experience to negotiate repairs or price reductions on your behalf.
7. (g) Ultimately help you save a good deal from falling apart.

Our Agents help BUYERS with title insurance. Title is the ownership rights one has in property. A Seller’s title may have limitations, such as easements for utilities or other purposes. Some easements limit your ability to use and enjoy the property. Other title issues which can affect your ownership rights include mortgage liens, unpaid taxes and water bills, unpaid assessments, construction liens, plus other liens and claims against title.

With so many things that can go wrong, how can both Buyers and Sellers protect themselves from future title issues?

After title work is ordered, a Title Company searches the public records and issues a preliminary report called a “Commitment for Title Insurance”. This document is then usually emailed to the Seller, the Buyer and/or to their Agents, and it should be reviewed immediately.

The Commitment for Title Insurance is based on what is found in the public records and shows the owner’s name, legal description, liens, defects, burdens and obligations that affect the subject property. It also lists the requirements that must be met before the title policy can be issued, and also lists various conditions, exclusions and exceptions that will apply to that particular policy.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH TITLE WORK

Both Buyers and Sellers should review the entire Title Commitment immediately, and should raise any questions with their Agent, the Title Company and/or an Attorney as soon as possible.

In most cases, the Title Company lists certain requirements that must be met before the title policy is issued. Some of these requirements may be common and ordinary, such as requiring the Seller to pay off mortgage liens, taxes, etc.

But other “requirements” that must be resolved on or before closing, may come as a surprise to the Seller, or the Seller may not agree with.

That’s why it’s wise to review the Commitment for Title immediately. While most title problems can be resolved, it’s wise to act quickly to avoid delays to the closing.

Sellers should do their best to cooperate in “clearing the title” to make it acceptable to the Title Companies and Buyers.

If Buyers are not satisfied, they must act in a timely way to object to the condition of the title by written notice to the Seller or their Agent. Most Purchase Agreements specify how title objections are to be handled.

If there are liens that must be settled by the Seller, Listing Agents should obtain a Payoff Authorization Form from the Sellers for each unpaid mortgage or lien, which will authorize the Title Company to obtain correct payoff figures.

Our Agents help BUYERS with a final walk-through. Many Purchase Agreements entitle the Buyer to a final walk-through inspection of the property, usually within 24 or 48 hours before closing.

Walk-through inspections are done to ensure the Seller has vacated the property, if keys are given at closing, and left the property in the condition specified in the purchase agreement.

For example, Buyers may want to ensure that Sellers didn’t damage the property, or remove items that were included in the agreement, or replace items with cheaper versions, including: light fixtures, window treatments, appliances, etc.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH FINAL WALK-THROUGHS

Buyer’s Agent can arrange a final walk-through of the property before closing and accompany the Buyer. If problems are discovered, Buyer may consult their Attorney and/or take any action that Buyer deems appropriate, including but not limited to:

1. a) Continue to closing, but have the Seller reimburse Buyer an agreed amount of money at closing,
2. b) Request to delay the closing to an agreed future date, until Seller has corrected the problems and Buyer has verified the corrections to their satisfaction.

Any agreement should be in writing and signed by both parties.

The above are only examples of what actions Buyers may want to take, and they may not be for every situation. Buyers should consult with their Attorney.

Sellers are responsible to leave the property as specified in the Purchase Agreement, and we strongly recommend that they do so. Failure to abide by the Purchase Agreement could expose Sellers to very costly legal liabilities.

Our Agents Help BUYERS coordinate with others involved. Almost every transaction requires monitoring on a regular basis to make sure each side is following through with their obligations.

Believe it or not, people don’t always follow proper procedure, which can result in last-minute surprises and delays. Great closings don’t just happen by accident. Communication on a regular basis between the Agents, Title Companies, Lender and others involved, helps to keep everyone organized and focused.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH FOLLOW-UP

If you’ve read this far, you have some idea of what it takes to get to the closing with the least amount of hassle. But you may not appreciate all the work your Agent has been doing quietly, behind the scenes.

Chances are, your Agent was very much involved in every step, to ensure there are no problems, to help you solve whatever problems came up, and to ensure the best outcome for YOU!

Our Agents help BUYERS understand closing documents and procedures. Closing is the final step in executing a real estate transaction. At closing, the Buyer, (and/or his Lender), makes the agreed payment, and the Seller executes a Deed, which is the legal document that transfers ownership to the Buyer.

In most cases, Settlement or Closing Documents are prepared by a Title Company in compliance with applicable laws and based on information received from Real Estate Broker(s) and Lender. Some information may also be from municipalities, public records, lien-holders, homeowner’s associations and other sources.

HOW OUR BUYER’S AGENTS HELP WITH CLOSING

Ideally, both Buyers and Sellers should review all the closing documents a few days in advance, and make sure you understand and agree with all the charges.

Your Agent will answer most questions, but since the documents were probably prepared by a Title Company, questions may also be directed to them.

Buyers should pay special attention to the Closing Disclosure (CD), which should be compared with your Loan Estimate (LE).

Buyers should also double-check the amounts they need to bring, in what form the funds must be, and the wiring instructions.

Buyers and Sellers should plan to arrive at the closing location on time, with a government issued photo ID, and other items noted in the instructions.

If anyone finds errors in the closing documents, or items you don’t understand, it’s best to speak up before closing, or even at the closing table. You have a right to know what you’re signing. Most closings go smoothly, especially when the closing documents are reviewed in advance, and there are no surprises.

At closing, the Title Company usually collects payment from the Buyer by cashier’s check or wiring of funds directly to their account. When funds are received and papers are signed, the Title Company disburses all payments, including the payoff amounts to all the lien-holders, Seller’s proceeds, Broker commissions, and any third-party payments.

Our Agents help BUYERS with post-closing issues. The Title Company also often acts as escrow Agent when it’s necessary to hold funds in escrow for such items as the final water bill or occupancy by Seller after the closing date. Funds held in escrow are disbursed after closing as provided in the Escrow Agreement. If you are due to receive a payment from an escrow fund, contact your Agent or the Escrow Agent directly.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Don’t forget to file for the Homestead Exemption. If you will be living in your new home as your principal residence, you must file the Homestead Exemption forms you were given at closing with your municipality immediately after closing in order to qualify for the lower homestead tax rate. Have the assessor’s office give you a stamped and dated copy to save with your closing papers as proof that you complied with the requirements for homestead exemption in a timely way. It’s good to have your own stamped copy, in case the assessor’s office loses theirs!

BUYERS – OUR GUIDANCE FROM START TO FINISH IS PRICELESS . . . YET OFTEN FREE! If you have read all of the above, you will start to appreciate how the value of one of our experienced Buyer’s Agent could easily be worth many thousands of dollars!

Even just one or two of these steps could result in incredible savings for Buyers!

Helping you find and pick the right home instead of the wrong home, could easily be worth many thousands of dollars!

Not to mention the value of having an expert negotiate for you at so many stages, and the value of having an expert guide you every step of the way!

As you see, real estate transactions can be very complex and may require Buyers to navigate through a maze of documents and decisions.

Even one mistake, or one wrong decision, could cost you many thousands of dollars!

But there’s no need for stress, and no need to take unnecessary risks. Our Buyer’s Agents know the road and the pitfalls.

Much of the work REALTORS® do is behind the scenes, so they’re not always fully appreciated. But having one of our experienced Agents working for YOU can make the difference between night and day.

There’s a reason for that old saying, “A good Agent is worth their weight in gold.”

Yet, despite all that incredible value, Buyers usually don’t pay any fees or commissions to their Agent unless they have signed an agreement to do so. In most cases, the Buyer’s Agent is compensated from the Seller’s proceeds at closing.

Learn More. Contact YOUR Agent at Market Max America Realty today! (248)680-1500

BUYERS: Things to do the week before closing.

The week before closing can be hectic and stressful if you are not organized. As a reminder, to help relieve some of that stress, we’ve created a checklist of things to do the week before closing for BUYERS.

Every situation is different, so discuss and confirm all the items in this checklist with you Agent.

1. a) Closing Documents: Review all the closing documents, including the Closing Disclosure (CD) for accuracy. It is important to understand all the charges and instructions, including the wiring of funds and what items to bring to closing. If you have questions or corrections, contact your Agent and/or the Title Agent immediately.
2. b) Homeowner’s Insurance: Check with your Lender about buying homeowner’s insurance. Most Lenders want to be named as an additional insured, and they can give you the mortgagee clause, as well as minimum coverage amount. The effective date on the insurance policy should be the same as date of closing. Provide a copy of the insurance policy to the Lender before closing and bring a copy to the closing.
3. c) Gas and Electric Utilities: Contact the gas and electric utilities to transfer the service at the new address into your name as of the date of closing. In most areas you do not need to transfer the water, sewer and trash into your name, as that is billed to the property address. However, it may be a good idea to check with the municipality.
4. d) Moving Company: Make sure you have made arrangements with the Movers.
5. e) School Enrollment: Enroll children in their new schools as needed. You may want to check in advance with the particular schools regarding their enrollment policies and forms.
6. f) Address Change: Inform the Post Office of your address change as soon as possible to avoid missing important mail. Create mailing labels with your new home address.

Real estate transactions can be complicated, and bad decisions can be costly. After all, your home is one of your largest financial investments.

Now more than ever, you don’t need just another salesperson. You deserve a Broker who puts YOU first.

SELLERS should know:

• NOBODY will market and expose your home better.
• NOBODY will work harder to sell your home.
• NOBODY will help you negotiate better.
• NOBODY will work harder to earn your trust and future business.

BUYERS should know:

• NOBODY will show you more homes that meet your needs.
• NOBODY will work harder to find the right home for you.
• NOBODY will help you negotiate better.
• NOBODY will work harder to earn your trust and future business.

Yes, we have access to great technology and to some of the world’s best real estate databases.

But that’s not why so many people come back to us over and over again and refer their friends.

It’s because of our friendly and knowledgeable Associates, who’ve made us famous for outstanding personal service since 1992.

If you’re tired of being treated like a number, contact us and see the difference! (248)680-1500

17. ARE BIG REAL ESTATE BROKERS BETTER?

Don’t believe their hype. It’s just the opposite.

The TRUTH is: When Real Estate Brokers have access to the same technology, Multiple Listing Services, and an actual commercial office location with staff, the small and medium-sized Brokers usually treat you better, and usually work harder to make you happy!

ASK YOURSELF THIS:
If your child was in school, would they get more personal attention in a classroom of 500, or in a classroom of 50? You know the answer!

So why would you think that your home would get more attention with a Broker that has 500 other listings, as opposed to a Broker that has 50 others?

The large Broker with 500 listings divides their time, effort and money between 500 listings, so there is:

1. LESS personal attention to each home and client,
2. LESS concern if some listings don’t sell, and,
3. LESS concern if you’re not happy.

After all, the large Broker has 499 others like you.

The Broker with only 50 listings divides their time, effort and money
between only 50 listings, so there is:

1. MORE personal attention to each home and client,
2. MORE concern if some listings don’t sell,
3. MORE concern if you’re not happy.

You see, small Brokers can’t afford to lose too many.

Market Max America Realty is BIG enough to give you world-class service like the largest Brokers, yet small enough to care about YOU.

You have a choice:
You can go to those other guys and be just another number, or come to us and be priority number one.

That’s why you should choose a MARKET MAX AMERICA REALTOR®!

Wishing You the Best,

George Zivan
MARKET MAX AMERICA REALTY
Founder and President