Buyer’s Guide

Premier Buyer Representation

If you are buying your first property in Richmond, Virginia – the Real Estate process can be daunting. If you’ve bought properties in the past, there may be several elements of the process that you would prefer to do differently.

For these reasons, we work with every buyer individually. Free Proposal. Simply Complete the Form There>>>

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Our Service Standards are practices and standards to which Snipes Properties is firmly committed. You will be provided with a clear road map of what it takes to make a successful purchase. We let you know, step-by-step, the levels of support and customer care you can expect from your Snipes Properties sales agent. We developed our Service Standards based on many years of experience and believe they are the reason so many people choose Snipes Properties.

First Steps

We will conduct an in-depth interview to understand your goals, your timetable, and your concerns about affordability and financing. We want to hear about the type of property you are interested in purchasing, including size and features, and any other special desires and needs you may have. By listening carefully to your needs, we pledge to enhance your experience as a buyer and to walk you through the steps required to purchase your new property.

We Will:

• Explain “agency” relationships and how representation works.
• Explain how the commission is paid and distributed.
• Outline the property-buying process and provide a timeline.
• Provide you with resources for information about communities, schools, transportation and recreational facilities.
• Assist you throughout the financing process.
• Review the costs involved in the property-buying process.

• Review all Richmond and Virginia Realtor forms and documents: including contracts, disclosures, disclaimers and inspection reports. In some instances, Our associate may refer you to a real estate attorney for further clarification.
• Provide guidance to assist you in the acquisition of your selected property, including the negotiation of all offers authorized by you.

Finding the Property that’s Right for You

• Give you access to property listings for the entire Richmond, Virginia metro region on our website and to the Central Virginia Regional MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This service lets you receive e-mail updates, conduct additional research and communicate with me 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Locate and present selected properties to you. I will respect your time by showing you properties that meet your criteria. Where appropriate, I will expand the search outside of our local Multiple Listing Service for additional properties you may wish to view.
• Preview, whenever possible, every property I recommend to make sure that it meets the standards that you set.
• Contact you when a new property that meets your needs becomes available.
• Review with you, if requested, the benefits and the drawbacks of each property in which you have expressed interest.

Making an Offer for a Property

• Represent your interests, respect your confidentiality, and work diligently to help you reach your goals.
• Prepare and review with you a competitive market analysis (CMA) of the property you wish to purchase so that you can make an informed decision about the offering price.
• Counsel you on the best offer strategy considering current market conditions.
• Prepare your offer to purchase and, if possible, present your offer in person to the seller. We will advise you as to whether to include a home inspection contingency and/or a loan contingency in your offer. We will also advise you as to your obtaining a home warranty as to certain items in the home, preferably provided by the seller.
• Negotiate the best price and terms for your purchase of the property given existing market conditions and your personal situation. We will discuss various approaches to negotiating and recommend the best option for that specific circumstance.
• Open escrow when your offer is accepted and schedule the events that will lead to a successful close of escrow.

Closing the Sale on Your New Property

• Monitor the status and satisfaction of all contract contingencies and assist you in any further negotiations with the seller. Throughout the closing period, we will provide you with regular progress updates.
• Provide you with a list of professionals or vendors who perform the services and/or inspections recommended in the Buyer’s Inspection Advisory.
• Deliver and/or communicate to you, in a timely manner, any disclosures, materials or information that has been received by me and that could materially affect your decision to complete the purchase.
• Schedule property inspections and attend inspections if practical or instructed by you, as well as any subsequent meetings or appointments with the professionals of your choice.
• Discuss your options based on inspection results.
• Monitor your loan approval process, if you request. We will coordinate the appraisal of the property and, if appropriate, provide access and assistance to the appraiser.
• Advise you on your options should problems arise with any part of the escrow process from loan, to title, to property inspections and assist in renegotiating the contract if necessary.
• Accompany you on a property walk-through inspection before closing as provided for in the contract. Contact you after the closing to confirm the completion of all the details.