Buyer’s Handbook
THE ARC REALTY Advantage
ARC Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in residential and commercial sales as well as development, relocation, and comprehensive move management. We gather data from the leading industry tools and technologies to help our agents and their clients make informed decisions when pursuing real estate opportunities.
Our focus is relationships over transactions. We secure, build, and maintain enduring connections with our agents and clients by providing the highest levels of personalized service and counsel. We are dedicated to contributing to the communities in which our agents and clients live, and actively serve as engaged corporate citizens.
We are a family committed to building our community; one home at a time.
A Relationship Company
Sister Company
CAPSTONE - HUNTSVILLE
ARDMORE, TN
PROVIDENCE (MADISON) STOVEHOUSE (HUNTSVILLE)
ARC BIRMINGHAM
CAHABA HEIGHTS HWY 280/INVERNESS HOMEWOOD
HOOVER
LIBERTY PARK
MOUNTAIN BROOK
MT LAUREL
PELHAM
TRUSSVILLE
ARC MONTGOMERY
AUBURN
MONTGOMERY
WETUMPKA
Our offices span throughout Alabama, serving a client base as diverse as our region. We provide real estate assistance outside the local area through our expanded network with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.
Your happiness, your future, and your investment are our number one priority.
BUYER’S AGENCY
EXPERT MARKET KNOWLEDGE
Through experience and research I am able to provide invaluable insights into current market conditions, including pricing trends and neighborhood dynamics. This expertise helps you make informed decisions, avoid overpaying, and identify emerging opportunities.
SKILLED NEGOTIATION
Consistent training helps ARC agents to excel at negotiating purchase prices and contract terms. Leveraging this with market knowledge helps to secure the best possible deal for you, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
ACCESS TO OFFMARKET LISTINGS
The ARC network is extensive and wellconnected, which provides you with access to off-market or pre-market listings. This can create exclusive opportunities and reduces competition, making the home-buying process smoother and more efficient.
COMPREHENSIVE HOME EVALUATION
With a deep understanding of home construction and maintenance, I can identify potential issues during property tours or through an interpretation of the inspection report. This helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures that your new home is a great investment that meets your long-term needs and expectations.
NETWORK OF TRUSTED VENDORS
With a vast network of contractors, inspectors, and service providers you have direct access to reliable professionals for home inspections, repairs, or updates. This streamlines the process, ensuring quality work and timely completion.
71 % of all real estate litigation comes as a result of one party not being represented.
DETAILED CONTACT MANAGEMENT
Real estate transactions consist of complex paperwork and timelines. With the assistance of ARC’s experienced compliance team, I will provide meticulous attention to detail to prevent costly mistakes and ensure that all legal and procedural requirements are met, so that you can rest easy about getting to the closing table with everything you need.
PERSONALIZED HOME SEARCH
By understanding your specific needs and preferences, I will tailor your home search process to find properties that match your needs more so than just your criteria. This personalized approach saves time and will help find a home that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
PROBLEMSOLVING EXPERTISE
Every transaction is different, and unexpected issues can arise, such as poor inspection reports, appraisal discrepancies, or financing challenges. I am here to offer strategic and effective solutions that will keep your transaction on track and prevent deal-breaking complications.
POST-PURCHASE SUPPORT
Our relationship doesn’t end at closing. I will always be available for ongoing support, from recommending reliable service providers for home maintenance, to providing market updates, ensuring your homeownership experience is a positive one.
Buying a home is a very personal experience. By offering objective advice, I help my buyers stay focused on their priorities and avoid emotional decisions. This guidance ensures that buyers choose a home that not only meets their immediate desires, but also serves as a sound long-term investment.
We see our clients as customers for life, not as a one-time transaction. Our goal is to provide the highest level of personal service from the beginning to the end of your home buying process - and beyond! We believe every closing presents the opportunity to evaluate our services and ultimately your satisfaction. We are honored that 75% of our firm’s business is made up of repeat and referral clients, a true testament to our agents’ service and care.
Search & identify your next home
FINANCES AT A GLANCE
A deposit made to the seller to show the buyer’s good faith. This means that you are serious about purchasing this home.
A percentage of the home’s purchase price paid upfront.
Cost of having the home inspected for structural and mechanical issues.
Cost for a professional appraisal of the home’s value. Fee for a surveyor to confirm the property’s boundaries.
Important Information
All professional real estate fees are negotiable . There is no mandated compensation structure or amount for real estate sales, but different agents or offices may have minimum fees that they require as compensation for their services.
The Buyer’s Agent Agreement
is a contract between a homebuyer and their real estate agent that defines how the two agree to work together. This document establishes conditions around services, compensation, term length, exclusivity, and termination rights. No services should be provided until this is signed.
Many sellers will offer to pay a cooperating compensation. In these situations, my compensation will come out of the closing costs paid by the seller. This is typically a percentage of the sale price.
Some sellers will not offer to pay a buyer’s agent compensation. In these situations, you will pay me at closing based on what we agree to and establish in the Buyer’s Agency Agreement .
What you need to get pre-approved
Social Security number
Two most recent pay stubs
Last year’s tax return
Two most recent bank statements
Last year’s W2
title search fee
Cost of searching public records to verify the seller’s legal ownership of the property.
title insurance
Insurance protecting against errors in the title search.
attorney fees
Legal fees for the buyer’s attorney.
escrow fees
Fees for the escrow service managing the funds during the transaction.
recording fees
Cost for recording the deed with the local government.
CLOSING COSTS
transfer taxes
Taxes imposed by the state or local government on the transfer of property.
prepaid property taxes
Property taxes that must be paid upfront.
prepaid homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance premiums paid in advance.
hoa fees
Initial homeowners association fees, if applicable.
mortgage insurance premium ( pmi )
Insurance for the lender in case the buyer defaults, usually required for down payments less than 20%.
buyer ’ s agent compensation
If the seller is not offering a cooperating compensation payment for your agent’s services. This will be out of pocket based on the Buyer’s Agency Agreement.
POST - PURCHASE COSTS
moving costs
Expenses for moving services or renting a moving truck.
furniture and appliances
Purchases for new furniture and appliances.
security system
Costs for installing and monitoring a home security system.
utility connection fees
Fees for connecting utilities like water, electricity, gas, and internet.
home warranty
Optional insurance covering repairs and replacements of home systems and appliances.
furniture and appliances
Purchases for new furniture and appliances.
homeowners insurance
Ongoing insurance premiums.
pest control
Ongoing pest control services.
property taxes
Ongoing property tax payments.
maintenance and upkeep
Regular maintenance expenses (e.g., lawn care, HVAC servicing).
home repairs and renovations
Costs for fixing or upgrading the home.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” - Warren Buffett
Our Services. Your Benefits.
Whatever you need and wherever you are, we have someone who can help. ARC Realty offers a wide range of property-related services and partners that can assist you, from Mortgage to Title, and Insurance.
As your buyer’s agent, I provide expert representation and protection throughout the home-buying process, leveraging my market knowledge, negotiation skills, and trusted network to secure the best deal and ensure a smooth transaction. My comprehensive support helps you avoid costly mistakes and find a home that perfectly fits your needs and long-term goals.
