BUYER GUIDE
Our Promise
We appreciate the trust you have put in our agent/partner to help you sell your property.
Our commitment to you is that we will exceed your expectations the entire way through the selling process.
So much so that you will want to share your experience with your family and friends. We aim to be a resource for you and your community even beyond the transaction.
Our agent/partner will be checking with you periodically to see how we’re doing and if there is anything we can do to enhance the experience. If we ever fall short of that high level experience, please bring it to our attention so we can change our process immediately.
#1 TEAM IN ASHEVILLE
16 Years In Business
1.07% Of Sells In The Market
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to differentiate ourselves from an industry that has become complacent, and set a new standard in both agent and consumer experiences. We will use our knowledge, expertise, and technology to provide personalized, comprehensive services that are tailored to the “unique” needs and preferences of each client.
1000+ Total Clients Served
Million In Sells
VISION & VALUES
At Broker Asheville, our actions and decisions are based solely on our core values. These values are what define us, and set us apart from other real estate agencies in the area and keep us energized to over deliver and create opportunities for our clients.
TRUST
We hold trust as a core value, recognizing that it is the foundation upon which we build strong and lasting relationships.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is at the core of everything we do, from our interactions with clients and partners to the way we conduct business.
FAMILY & BUSINESS
How you show up at home matters first. We believe that family and business are integral to our success, and we strive to uphold these values in everything we do. We are also hungry for success, and we are firm believers that this is done through significance first. How you show up for the people in your world matters, and empires are built during the pursuit of industry knowledge, connection, and how you are woven into your community. Who you are with matters and the Unique brand represents a commitment to these standards.
COMMUNITY
Community is not just a location, but a vital part of our values, and we strive to foster strong relationships with our neighbours and support the growth and well-being of the communities we serve.
FUN
Having fun is a non negotiable. Where you are and who you are with are not only important, but essential to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment ultimately benefiting our clients and agents.
Meet Your Agent
Bret Frk
Buyer Agent
Bret has over 20 years of experience in the real estate and development industry. He is regarded as one of the region’s top Buyers Agents in both buyer units and volume year after year.
Bret graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Urban Design/Planning. Before joining our team, he spent eight years as an land planner focusing on new communities and infill development. He then turned his focus to land conservation assisting with the preservation of over 45,000
acres of undeveloped land in the Western NC Mountains and Foothills. Bret is well loved by our buyers because he has a relaxed, no pressure personality. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching baseball, being near water and traveling. He has lived and owns homes in the River Arts District, Lake Lure, West Asheville, and Haw Creek.
Meet Your Agent
Nan Kramer
Buyer Agent
Nan has strong ties to Western North Carolina, having spent her summers as a child at Montreat, attending UNC Asheville, and settling permanently here in 2007.
With a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness and a master’s degree in Public Health from East Tennessee State University, Nan was the Regional Community Engagement Coordinator in 8 counties west of Asheville. This experience has given her a distinctive perspective on our region that she applies to her real estate career.
A natural people-person with a bright personality, Nan is driven by her passion for helping others. As a Listing Specialist with Broker Asheville, Nan has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the process with ease.
In her free time, Nan loves playing with her dog Tally and enjoying the outdoors. She can often be found working in her garden or sharing time with her friends and family. Nan’s enthusiasm and dedication will make your sale less stressful and more enjoyable.
Meet Your Agent Jeremy Laster
Listing Agent
Jeremy is an Asheville native and has a passion for helping his clients BECOME A LOCAL.
Jeremy is a Western North Carolina native and proud to call Asheville home. Jeremy combines his knowledge and passion for our LOCAL community with a fun, customer focused, and consultative approach. Jeremy is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and his professional resume includes active duty military experience as an Air Force Officer and sales executive roles for market leading medical
device and information technology companies. Jeremy has deep roots in our community and has a passion for giving back. During the football season, you can find Jeremy volunteering his time as an assistant football coach for North Buncombe High School. Jeremy is married to his high school sweetheart, Karen. Together, they have a beautiful daughter, Ella, and a dog named Bear, who often makes appearances in Jeremy’s listing videos.
Meet Your Agent
Dave Cash
Listing Agent
Dave’s entrepreneurial spirit, communication and management skills are appreciated by our clients
After spending many years in banking, real estate investment, and insurance brokerage, Dave is one of Broker Asheville’s real estate listing specialists. He has sold hundreds of properties here in Western North Carolina. Prior to Asheville, he founded, ran and sold an Allstate insurance agency in Charlotte.
A US Air Force veteran and a West Virginia State College grad, Dave’s entrepreneurial spirit, communication and management skills are appreciated by our clients. Dave, Sarah and their 3 boys, Harrison, Miles and James live in the Kenilworth neighborhood of Asheville. When Dave is not on listing appointments or attending kids sporting events you can find him skiing, fly fishing on the Davidson River, biking at Bent Creek with his family or wake surfing on Lake James.
The Team Advantage
Having a team behind a real estate agent can provide numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to selling a home. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to delegate tasks among team members, allowing each member to focus on their specific areas of expertise. For example, a team may have one member who specializes in marketing, another in negotiations, and another in administrative tasks.
Julie Crosson Listing Manager
With more than 15 years of office experience, in both administrative and financial roles, Julie’s keen eye for detail combined with her passion to provide superior customer service make her a valuable asset to our listing team. Julie graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder where she met her husband. After visiting Asheville and falling in love with its beauty, they relocated from Texas in 2006. They currently live in North Asheville with their two teenagers, cat (Mr. Mittens) and dog (Lady Ellington). In her spare time, Julie loves hanging out with her family, bird watching, reading and using her creative side to design and fabricate epic Halloween costumes.
This allows the team to work more efficiently and effectively, providing the seller with a smoother and faster selling process. Additionally, a team can provide a wider network of contacts including other agents, contractors and service providers. With a team behind them, our real estate agents provide a higher level of service, giving the sellers a competitive advantage in the real estate market.
Amber Thomas Closing Agent
Amber grew up in Greensboro, NC, and is proud to be a native of North Carolina. After attending Appalachian State University, she moved to Raleigh and called the Triangle home for 12 years. Her love for the mountains brought her to the Asheville area over three years ago. Amber has over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. Amber believes that every interaction with a client is very important and holds that to a high standard. In Amber’s spare time she enjoys having a good local craft beer at many of the local breweries, going on hikes with her husband, Buddy, and her Cocker Spaniel, Boone, and traveling the world.
Erin Spurrier
Marketing Director
As a marketing and graphic designer with a degree in Illustrative Design from RMCAD, Erin brings a unique blend of artistic creativity and strategic thinking to every project she works on. When Erin’s not busy designing, you can usually find her exploring the great outdoors through hiking and other activities. She’s also a big music lover and enjoys going to concerts with friends to discover new artists and genres. In Erin’s free time, she indulges in creative hobbies such as painting, drawing, and digital art. She bring strategic thinking to every project she touches.
Alan Fraebel Multi Media Specialist
Alan Fraebel relocated to Asheville from Winter Park, FL with his wife and two children. Alan graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Theatre and an emphasis on the technical elements of productions; using those skills to progress into lighting design and photography. He joins Broker Asheville as our full time photographer and videographer. He enjoys being a community ambassador for Broker Asheville and doing his part in helping them to continue with the success of the company. Alan and his family are excited about fulfilling their dream of living in the beautiful mountains of Asheville. When he is not behind the lens of a camera he can usually be found watching sports, cooking up a good steak, and enjoying being with his family.
Leah Stewart Owner/CEO
Originally from Camden, South Carolina, Leah met Jeff during a summer in Maine where Leah had landed for an interim college summer job; the rest is history! A University of Georgia graduate, Leah has a Bachelors in Environmental Design and a Masters in Urban Planning. With a background as a city planner and an enterprising attitude, Leah plays a pivotal role. Leah is “the boss” and we are proud to have her working as Chief Quality Officer. When she’s not in the office, you can find Leah visiting the local Asheville hot spots with their two sons, Jackson and Wyatt.
Jeff Stewart Founder
Jeff was raised in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. Following several years of incredible success working with buyers and sellers, and being named a top producer at Keller Williams, Jeff and his wife Leah founded Broker Asheville. Jeff’s love of his hometown, specifically the natural beauty of Western North Carolina, translates into Broker Asheville’s community mindedness, where he works to build a team that empowers clients to make savvy decisions with confidence.
WE LIVE
The Home Buying Process
Meet lender to discuss purchase budget and costs.
Discuss goals, sign Buyer Agency Agreement with agent
Sign documents and receive keys to YOUR NEW HOME!
Possible additional docs needed. Settlement review.
Make sure title is clear without exceptions or liens.
Deal Accepted! Home under contract till closing. Due Diligence (Non-refundable) Earnest Money Deposit (Refundable during DD) Licensed vendor assessing home value for the lender.
Including: general, radon, pest, septic, well, water, sewer.
Seek repairs before closing, renegotiate price, or opt for closing cost credits instead of repairs.
• Lender sends closing package to lender
• Lender releases money
The Buyer’s Agent Advantage
What’s the cost?
Due Diligence fee, earnest money deposit, appraisal & inspection, quotes for repairs/improvements
100% of our clients choose Buyer’s Agency. Customers vs. Clients.
Fiduciary relationship = advisor
Ensure you find the right house and have an expert negotiator in your corner.
Get the inside track to firm exclusive listings coming to market. 1 2 3 4
The best information: previewing new listings every morning. Prospecting: digging up new homes for you everyday.
For Sale By Owner • On Market Properties • Off Market Properties
Preparing To Win Your Checklist To Success
Working With Real Estate Agents
Buyer’s Agency Agreement
Contract Review
Pre-Approval letter or Proof of Funds
Your “NEEDS” and “WANTS”
Focused Search
Feedback Loop to Streamline Your Process
Finding Your New Home (On or Off Market)
Schedule Preview Communication is KEY and Critical to OUR Success
Buyer Needs & Wants
Your buyer motivation rating… “are you an A, B or C?”
A. Need to buy now or will be homeless.
B. Ready to buy but need to sale, lease to fulfill or get pre - approved.
C. May buy when right home comes along.
Budget: Area:
Your TOP 3 NEEDS “Non-negotiable, must have” 1. 2. 3. Your TOP 3 WANTS “Would be nice, but not a deal breaker” 1. 2. 3.
26 Your Questions Answered
To Get Started
There are a few items we need in order to start our business relationship:
• Working with a Real Estate Agent in NC
• Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement
• Pre-Approval Letter from Preferred Lender or Proof of Funds
Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualifications
Pre-Qualification:
• Online, no credit score, debt/income analysis = carries less weight.
Pre-Approval:
• Speak with a lender, run your credit score, gather information on income/debt = very powerful.
• Benefits you, the Buyer...
• Gives you a firmer confirmation of the ability to buy.
• Gives you a stronger position to demonstrate to seller your ability to qualify for purchase.
Earnest Money Deposit & Due Diligence Fee
What is an Earnest Money Deposit?
Earnest money is refundable if the contract is cancelled by within the buyer due diligence time period and is credited toward the purchase at closing if the sale goes through. It is non-refundable after the due diligence period. It protects the seller if the buyer cancels the contract last minute.
What is Due Diligence fee?
Due diligence money is meant to compensate the seller for taking the home off the market while you do inspections and shows how ‘serious’ you are to complete the transaction. It is also a mechanism to show how serious you are in the home and ability to close.
Be sure to bring your checkbook to showings to avoid delays in contract exceptance. As due dilligence fee is due at time of contract.
Larger Earnest Money and Due Diligence Fee can be a helpful deposit negotiating tool, especially in multiple offer situations.
Inspecting Your Home
What are inspections?
• A general home inspection is an examination of a property’s safety and current condition. This is done during the due diligence period.
• Buyer selects and pays for a home inspection. Depending on the inspections findings, Buyer may choose to move on to closing, renegotiate the sale price, request repairs, or cancel the sales contract.
We have recommendations for the trusted inspectors/property specialist.
• Access to our trusted vendor list for repairs and care of your new home.
Repairs are never assumed; it is an art that we will help you with, we will help interpret the reports with you and renegotiate items for repairs.
Q & A Inspection
Your Options are Open
For Sale by Owner:
• Call or text me
• We frequently work with For Sale by Owners
New Home Construction:
• Give them my card, it lets them know your options are open
• You get to customize; we represent your best interest
Other Important Things To Know
What is “Under Contract”?
• The buyer has put forth an offer on a house, the seller has accepted that offer and agents have received signed and executed contract.
• Due Diligence fee delivered at time of contract to seller.
• Earnest money delivered to attorney
Navigating Asheville
Client Success
I have found the Team to be both professional and personable in all areas of real estate. I have found Broker Asheville Team to be both professional and personable in all areas of real estate. They are “go-getters” with excellent follow-up skills. They do their research on market sales to provide the best advice on pricing. Cannot recommend them highly enough! - Jim C.
We had an absolutely wonderful experience purchasing a second home in Asheville with the assistance of Jeremy Laster, Dave Cash, and Amber Cloutier of the Broker Asheville team. It’s a daunting prospect to buy a house more than 500 miles away, but these real estate professionals guided us every step of the way--from getting to know us well enough on the front end to find the type of house we were interested in, to patiently providing over several months property listings to consider both in and around Asheville, to helping us negotiate a favorable price, to making sure all latent repair needs were identified and addressed by the seller, to easing us through closing. - Maura M.
I can not give high enough praise to the Broker Asheville team that surrounds him. We had our home listed with another agent for six months with no luck. Once Broker Asheville team let loose his marketing machine, we were under contract in one week! Post contract to closing our hands were held and the process was amazingly seamless. - Norm L.
These folks are so very impressive, from the listing agent to the open house agent to the closing agent, all the best of the best! I can’t imagine EVER selling or buying again without first contacting Broker Asheville! Even after the sale has closed, they are still in contact trying to help in any way they can. THE REAL DEAL, folks! - Billy A.
Broker Asheville were an extreme pleasure to work with throughout the entire selling process. From their friendliness and extensive market knowledge, to quick response as a team for any setbacks I encountered I was very impressed with how professionally they handled everything. I would highly recommend them to others looking for a realtor and plan to use their services in the future as a repeat customer. - Michael P.
Goals:
Key Thoughts & Goals
Thoughts:
