Buyer RepresentationQUESTIONS & ANSWERS
UNDERSTANDING BUYER REPRESENTATION
“WHAT EXACTLY DOES A BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE DO?”
My duties include in depth discussion to better understand your needs and wants for a property, finding properties that match our criteria, scheduling showings, providing market analysis to ensure fair pricing, reviewing market trends and conditions to structure attractive offers, negotiating terms on your behalf, and coordinating all aspects of the buying process, including inspections, financing title and escrow and legal paperwork.
“DO I HAVE TO USE A BUYER’S AGENT TO BUY A HOME?”
No. You can certainly purchase a house on your own. Buying a home is one of the most significant and complex transactions you may experience in a lifetime. When questions come up, it helps to have an experienced guide by your side. As your buyer’s agent, I am here to protect your interests, provide you with local market insights and advice, negotiate the best price, and navigate the complexities that come with real estate transactions.
“ALL HOMES ARE LISTED ONLINE, SO ARE YOU THERE JUST TO GET ME IN THE DOOR?”
Actually, not all properties you see on the internet are available and some available properties are not online. My access to the MLS provides the most updated information on the latest listings and my relationships with other agents and membership in “Top Agent Network” helps me find homes not yet on the MLS.
As your agent, I provide far more than access to listings. I will guide you through the entire home search process, including navigating all the paperwork, coordinating with lenders, inspectors, other agents, escrow and title companies, appraisers, and other professionals. My services are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help you make a well-informed decision.
Buyer RepresentationQUESTIONS & ANSWERS
THE VALUE I BRING
“WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BUYER’S AGENTS?”
Along with many years of experience, I have specialized training as a Buyer’s Accredited Representative (ABR) and a proven track record of serving clients with the highest standard of care. With this extensive experience gained over many years and many transactions, and insights into our local market, I am dedicated to and take pride in offering personalized guidance tailored to your goals.
“WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF WORKING WITH YOU?”
My local market expertise means I have a deep understanding of neighborhoods and property values. This knowledge allows me to analyze trends, compare similar properties, provide you with a curated selection of homes that meet your specific needs, and advise you on making a strong offer. I work to ensure your interests are protected and guide you through the practical details and potential obstacles that may occur during the process.
COMPENSATION
“I THOUGHT WORKING WITH A BUYER’S AGENT WAS FREE!”
My services as buyer’s agent are not free. Typically, my commission is offset by an offer of compensation provided by the seller’s broker. That means the cost of my services may be included in the fees the seller pays to the broker that is handling the sale of the property. If the seller’s broker’s offer does not fully cover my fee, we have several options: you can pay the difference, we can ask the seller to cover it, or we can work out a combined approach.
The MLS may show the amount of cooperative compensation offered by the seller. I will share details on all properties that meet your criteria, regardless of cooperative compensation offers, and will tell you if an offer you might make does not cover my fee so you can factor that into your decisions.
Buyer RepresentationQUESTIONS & ANSWERS
COMPENSATION
“ARE
THERE ANY HIDDEN FEES WHEN WORKING WITH A BUYER’S AGENT?”
Transparency is key in my professional practice. While my compensation may be covered by the seller’s broker, we’ll discuss any potential additional costs and exceptions and agree upon them in advance, before we begin the home search. These possible exceptions will also be detailed in the buyer representation agreement.
“DO
I HAVE TO PAY A FEE IF I DO NOT BUY ANYTHING?”
No, you do not have to pay a fee if you don’t complete a purchase. My goal as your buyer’s agent is to find a home that meets your needs. If, for some reason we can’t find the right home for you, there is no obligation to pay for the services rendered up to that point. My commission is typically due only upon closing on a home I’ve helped you purchase. Our agreement will detail all of these conditions to ensure there are no surprises.
BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
“DO I REALLY NEED TO SIGN A BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT?”
In Arizona, buyer representation agreements are legally required. A buyer representation agreement is a professional standard that sets clear expectations for our working relationship. It outlines my obligations to you as my client and clarifies what you can expect from me, ensuring commitment and protection for both of us throughout the home buying process. It is a mutual agreement that ensures I can fully commit my time, resources, and expertise to represent your interests to the fullest and find the best property for you.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT?
A buyer representation agreement outlines the services I will provide as your agent, our mutual commitments, the duration of our agreement, and the details regarding compensation. It also specifies both parties’ expectations, providing a clear roadmap for our professional relationship and the home buying process.
BUYER DUAL AGENCY
“WHY DO I NEED A BUYER’S REP WHEN I CAN JUST USE THE SELLER’S AGENT?”
When you call a number on a For Sale sign or visit an open house, the agent showing you the property is committed to helping the seller complete a sale with the most favorable terms for the seller, not to you. As your buyer’s representative, my sole commitment is to you and your best interests. I’m here to provide you with indepth analysis, unbiased advice, and to negotiate the best terms for you.
About ME
Whether someone is searching for their dream home or wanting to sell their distinctive property, my focus is on helping each person I work with achieve their goals through a guided, educational, and consultative approach, empowering them to make sound, confident decisions.
I BELIEVE IN BUILDING STRONG, LONG-TERM, AND ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS WITH MY CLIENTS.
To achieve this goal, there is an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service by listening carefully, asking questions, paying attention to the details and being avilable to my clients throughout every step of the process.
ADDITIONALLY, REGARDED FOR MY HANDS-ON APPROACH,
I personally manage all aspects of my clients’ transactions in lieu of delegating to an assistant or associate. My ultimate aim is to create a seamless and positive real estate buying or selling experience with the utmost professionalism. Success is gauged solely by the complete satisfaction of my clients. Their interests are always taken to heart.
On a more personal note, while I was born and raised in Oregon and attended college in Portland and Seattle, Washington, my husband and I have had homes in Scottsdale for more than 20 years. I have a vast knowledge of the neighborhoods, schools, entertainment and all that the area cities have to offer.
FURTHER, MY OWN LIFE EXPERIENCES HAVE GRANTED ME A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE.
My husband’s distinguished career in the hospitality industry led to us relocating across various regions of the country and the Caribbean for many years. That journey gave me an exceptional appreciation and insight into the myriad questions, concerns and challenges that can accompany such relocations or life-changing decisions associated with a move and property sale. Additionally, my professional background in retail management and new store design and development helped me understand the importance of organization, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication. This background has helped me to understand how best to help, advise and guide my clients as they pursue such a significant change and financial investment in their lives.
RESULTS DRIVEN | CLIENT FOCUSED | GLOBAL EXPOSURE
Vicki Kaplan was a pleasure to work with. Coming from out-oftown we bombarded her with many questions. She had all the answers due to knowing the market, the area, and the process so well. We believe Vicki’s skill and stature in the North Scottsdale real estate market was the key to our success in buying a home there. Thanks Vicki!
- Stacy and Dave Rue
Vicki is a delight. We live in Canada and she was recommended to us by several people in our community. We knew right away that if you have more than one person recommending a realtor in another part of the world, you know they are going to be great. She showed us 10 houses in one day and was willing to do another 10 if we couldn’t find what we were looking for. Well house number 7 was that house. It was perfect. She kept us fully informed and on track throughout the entire process and as we live out of town she did everything for us, even helping us organize the utilities, recommending places to buy furniture and highlighting great restaurants in the area. She is a gem and if you are in need of a realtor in Phoenix she is truly the best.
- Deb and Jason Wubs
TESTIMONIALS
Vicki Kaplan is fantastic! We recently relocated from Denver to the Scottsdale area. Our broker in Denver recommended Vicki. We’re so glad he did! Vicki patiently assisted us in finding the right home, offering sound advice along the way. She has lived in Scottsdale for years and truly knows the area. We were very impressed with her expertise and close attention to even the smallest detail. She skillfully navigated us through the entire closing process… from negotiating a sound deal to advising who to contact for utilities, etc. Aside from the real estate expertise, Vicki provided recommendations for trusted landscapers, a handyman, pool maintenance, etc. She also gave great suggestions for local restaurants, social opportunities, etc. These extra efforts helped make transitioning to a new area much easier…and made this new community feel more like home. We’ve now moved into a house we love. Simply put, if you’re looking for a home in Scottsdale, call Vicki!
- Shannon and Cary Berhardson
Quite simply, the best Real Estate Agent I have ever worked with in the many years of buying and selling homes. Vicki does her homework and comes to the table prepared and knowledgeable. She walks you through the entire process from start to finish. Vicki Kaplan is truly amazing and has her client’s best interest in mind.
- John Hernstat
We have purchased and sold homes in both Massachusetts and Arizona and have worked with many real estate brokers. Vicki Kaplan is the best. It is very important to have trust and confidence that your agent is going to be able to present your home to as wide an area as possible, provide helpful feedback and follow up with all interested parties. Vicki has been extremely proficient in all these areas in her own friendly and authentic way. We have also worked with Vicki in purchasing two homes. She draws a keen awareness of our needs and intentions from every home we view to a point that we have actually purchased a home unseen from her recommendation. We consider meeting Vicki as a gift for our very happy home life.
- Denise and Bob DiCenso
THE GREATER PHOENIX AREA
