Buyer Agency Handbook
About Us
Who
We’re the people you want at your side. Friends at heart. Professionals in practice and mind. We train our agents to be the best. Then we back them up with a world-class team.
Every agent of ours must meet a certain experience level and criteria to join us.
Where
Charlotte. The Queen City. Our first love. Our home.
2330 Randolph Road Charlotte, NC 28207
dickensmitchener.com
704.342.1000
As agents, we know this city’s neighborhoods like our closest circle of friends. We tend to this relationship as much as we do our connections to you. Place matters. Knowledge counts.
How
Agents who help more people end up better at their jobs. It’s like going to the gym — the more you go, the better your results. This is why we only have full-time, fully committed agents. We train them constantly on the changing market, new tech, negotiation strategies and people skills.
We get to work with top-of-the-line agents. You get what you want, wrapped in the best possible experience.
hello neighbor!
About Me
• Graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree from the School of Journalism in Advertising & Public Relations.
• Moved to Atlanta to work for Turner Sports in Marketing & PR. After two years in Atlanta, Ali moved to Charlotte and joined NASCAR as a Digital Account Manager.
• Growing up with family members in both residential and commercial real estate inspired her to transition careers and get her license.
Ali Stephens
REALTOR®/BROKER
828-448-2360
ali@dickensmitchener.com
Milestones & Memberships
• Canopy Multiple Listing Services
• Canopy REALTOR® Association
• National Association of REALTORS®
• North Carolina Association of REALTORS®
• South Carolina Association of REALTORS®
• Dickens Mitchener Top Producer 2023
• Ali’s account management background has provided her with invaluable organizational and project management skills that are advantageous to making the home buying and selling process as smooth as possible.
Fun Facts
• Real estate allows Ali to pursue her passions of homes, design, and most importantly building meaningful relationships with her clients.
• She lives in Dilworth, and you can find her walking her golden retriever (Lyla) & husky (Skye) around Dilworth, Sedgefield & Freedom Park.
• Outside of Real Estate, she enjoys exploring Charlotte’s new restaurants, playing pickleball and volleyball with friends.
• Growing up in the NC mountains, Ali also likes spending time on Lake James when visiting her family in Morganton.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYER REPRESENTATION
YOUR HOME BUYING ADVOCATE AND TRUSTED ADVISOR
Having representation from a Buyer’s Agent is the only way that you can be confident that you have someone looking out for your best interests and allowing you to make informed real estate decisions.
ALIGNMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL
Our high quality reputation is backed by its membership in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® an invitation only global community in over 70 countries. Membership is awarded to firms based on rigorous standards for service and performance.
UNPARALLELED MARKET KNOWLEDGE
Our brokerage is rooted in the communities we serve. We possess deep local knowledge, an understanding of local housing regulations and trends to help you make smarter, informed decisions. We bring an authentic “Main Street” perspective to real estate that many of our competitors cannot claim.
NEGOTIATION WITH MARKET EXPERTISE
Understanding your goals, desires and concerns Is fundamental to skillful negotiation, coupled with strong market knowledge and financial acumen. Your Buyer’s Agent will work on your behalf and negotiate the best possible price and terms for your home purchase.
SERVICES TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
Our services are distinctive, extensive, and personalized for you, as our longstanding reputation was built on consistently delivering high performance to every client. Our strong local culture is well-aligned with your market-specific needs.
A STREAMLINED PROCESS
Your Buyer’s Agent will simplify the process and guide you through the necessary steps making the most efficient use of your time. From your home search and negotiation to contract and closing. These are just some of the steps where your Buyer’s Agent will facilitate.
✓ Market Analysis
✓ Lender Pre-Approval
✓ Offer
✓ Negotiation
✓ Contract Review and Approval
✓ Purchase Agreement Finalized
✓ Home Loan Approval
✓ Inspection/Due Diligence
✓ Apply for Home Insurance
✓ Title Exam
✓ Loan Approval
✓ Prepare Finances and Documents for Closing
Working With Me!
Step By Step Guidance
I will guide you through the process step by step – my goal is to ensure you are educated & prepared to move forward confidently in our market.
Efficiency
I aim to make the process as efficient as possible. When you may be busy working or out of town, I will go preview and take videos of homes that have just hit the market so that we are making the most of our time together.
Navigate Multiple Offers
Helping buyers navigate & win multiple offer situations is a skill I pride myself on. It is not always about price, and this is something we will talk through.
Seamless Experience
My previous account & project management background gives me the ability to ensure that everything is organized for a seamless experience.
I’m Your Trusted Advisor
Ultimately, I serve as your trusted advisor. Whether it is pointing out red flags as we’re walking through a home, or providing lender, inspector, or builder recommendations, I am here every step of the way to help find the best home for you!
The Home Buying Process
Meet With A Real Estate Broker
Discuss the type of home you’re looking for, including style, price and location.
The Real Estate Broker will review Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure/ and the Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement with you. You will be asked to sign these agreements to hire our firm to represent you.
Get Pre-Approved
You will need pay stubs, W2s and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a succesful home buying experience.
Search For Homes
The fun part! Your agent will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home.
ADVANCED SEARCH: not all real estate websites are the same. Your real estate professional has tools and systems to ensure you see every available home that meets your criteria.
Make An Offer
Your agent will prepare the offer based on the price and terms you choose. At this time we will determine who is paying the buyer agency fee: you the Buyer, the Seller, or a combination of the two.
Negotiating & Contract
Your agent will offer advice on best strategies and negotiate.
DEPOSITS: Due diligence fee is due immediately upon going under contract, with the Earnest Money due within 5 days.
Under Contract
You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms.
Due Diligence
You will hire an attorney and inspector. You will order a survey and appraisal.
Preparing For Closing
You will be finalizing your loan, reviewing documents and securing your homeowners insurance policy.
Closing
The transfer of funds and ownership. An attorney typically acts as an independent third party to facilitate the CLOSING.
Due Diligence Timeline
CONTRACT
DATE
DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD END DATE
Due Diligence Period
This is your opportunity to conduct inspections, perform surveys, and work with your lender to arrange financing (if applicable).
Buyer’s Right To Terminate
You may terminate your contract during this period for any reason or no reason. If you terminate, you forfeit your due diligence fee only. If you continue to closing, your due diligence fee is credited towards your purchase price.
CLOSING
DATE
After DDP Ends
After your DDP ends, you may have several days or weeks before closing (depending on the terms of your contract).
Termination after DDP Ends
Should you terminate your contract after your due diligence period ends, you will forfeit both your due diligence fee AND your earnest money deposit.
