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
Our home.
2330 Randolph Road Charlotte, NC 28207
dickensmitchener.com
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.
he o 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.
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.
• golden retriever (Lyla) & husky (Skye) around Dilworth,
• 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 e cient 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
O er
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
The Home Buying Process
Meet With A Real Estate Salesperson
Discuss the type of home you’re looking for, including style, price and location. The Real Estate Salesperson will review the SC Disclosure of Real Estate Brokerage Relationship and the Exclusive Right to Buy Buyer Agency Agreement with you. You will be asked to sign these agreements to hire
Search For Homes
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. paying the buyer agency fee: you the Buyer, the Seller, or a combination of the two.
Negotiating & Contract
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 Get Pre-Approved buying experience.
Closing
The transfer of funds and ownership. An attorney typically acts as an independent third party to facilitate the CLOSING.
Options of Buyer Agent Compensation
Options of Buyer Agent Compensation
OPTION 1
Buyer pays the total amount agreed upon in paragraph 5 of SCR Form 130, (Exclusive Right to Buy, Buyer Agency Form).
OPTION 2
Listing Brokerage pays Buyers Broker compensation as negotiated through SCR Form 120 (Compensation Agreement).
There are multiple ways for a buyer side brokerage (e.g., buyer agency brokerage, buyer side transaction brokerage) to properly pay and or receive compensation. Here are a few:
OPTION 3
Buyer brokerage compensation is paid through a combination of negotiated compensation on SCR Form 120 (Compensation Agreement) and the remaining amount in paragraph 5 of SCR Form 130(Exclusive Right to Buy, Buyer Agency Form) is paid for by the buyer.
Applying For A Loan
Lenders require that you complete several forms for your home loan application. Some of the forms need to
Below is a list of items that your lender will need from you.
I.D.
Bank statements for the past 2 months
Pay stubs for past 30 days
Address history for the past 2 years
Employment history for the past 2 years
W2’s/1099 for the past 2 years
Past two years’ federal tax returns
Signed copy of
IF APPLICABLE:
Gift letter help you with the down payment)
Year-to-date and balance sheet (if self-employed)
List of any other properties owned
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Complete bankruptcy documents (if you have declared bankruptcy in the last 10 years)
Photo
Under Contract Timeline
CONTRACT
DATE
CLOSING
DATE
Due Diligence
This is your opportunity to conduct inspections on the property.
Buyer’s Right To Terminate
You may terminate your contract during this period you terminate, you will be obligated to pay the seller the termination fee agreed to in the contract.
Termite/CL - 100 Financing
Due Diligence Ends
After your due diligence ends, you may have several days or weeks before closing (depending on the terms of your contract).
Apprasial
Under Contract Guide
we move toward closing.
ONCE CONTRACT IS SIGNED & DELIVERED TO YOU
Immediately proceed with your loan process & inform me of the lender you’ve chosen
BEFORE CLOSING
Perform inspections & specialized evaluations
Negotiate repairs with Seller
Attorney to perform title search & order a property survey
Lender to order appraisal and other HOA documents
Review any restrictive covenants, bylaws if applicable
Obtain homeowners insurance
DAY OF CLOSING OR DAY BEFORE CLOSING
Arrange for utilities to be connected or transferred for the day of closing (see Convenience List)
Schedule re-inspection of repair items and obtain proof complete
Determine if you prefer re-inspections or a walk-through and we can schedule those
AFTER CLOSING
Schedule movers & deliveries
Schedule appointment to wire funds to Attorney for closing
Receive and review your Closing Disclosure statement
Wire funds to Attorney
All Buyers must bring drivers license to close
Welcome Home!
Buying Costs & Fees
Appraisal Fee:
Attorney Fee:
Buyer Agency Fee:
Credit Report:
Discount Points:
General Home Inspections:
Homeowners Insurance:
Loan Origination Fee:
Prepaid Interest:
Private Mortgage Insurance:
Recording Fees (Deeds):
Real Property Taxes:
Structural Inspection:
Survey:
Termite Letter:
Title Insurance:
Love it. Forms
SOUTH CAROLINA DISCLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE RELATIONSHIP
Pursuant to South Carolina Real Estate License Law in S.C. Code of Laws Section 40-57-370, a real estate licensee is required to provide you a meaningful explanation of agency relationships offered by the licensee’s brokerage firm. This must be done at the first practical opportunity when you and the licensee have substantive contact.
Before you begin to work with a real estate licensee, including being shown a home (or any property), it is important for you to know the difference between a broker-in-charge and associated licensees. The broker-incharge is the person in charge of a real estate brokerage firm. Associated licensees may work only through a broker-in-charge. In other words, when you choose to work with any real estate licensee, your business relationship is legally with the brokerage firm and not with the associated licensee.
A real estate brokerage firm and its associated licensees can provide buyers and sellers valuable real estate services, whether in the form of basic customer services, or through client-level agency representation. The services you can expect will depend upon the legal relationship you establish with the brokerage firm. It is important for you to discuss the following information with the real estate licensee and agree on whether in your business relationship you will be a customer or a client.
You Are a Customer of the Brokerage Firm
South Carolina license law defines customers as buyers or sellers who choose NOT to establish an agency relationship. The law requires real estate licensees to perform the following basic duties when dealing with any real estate buyer or seller as customers: present all offers in a timely manner, account for money or other property received on your behalf, provide an explanation of the scope of services to be provided, be fair and honest and provide accurate information, provide limited confidentiality, and disclose “material adverse facts” about the property or the transaction which are within the licensee’s knowledge.
Unless or until you enter into a written agreement with the brokerage firm for agency representation, you are considered a “customer” of the brokerage firm, and the brokerage firm will not act as your agent. As a customer, you should not expect the brokerage firm or its licensees to promote your best interest.
Customer service does not require a written agreement; therefore, you are not committed to the brokerage firm in any way unless a transaction broker agreement or compensation agreement obligates you otherwise.
Transaction Brokerage
A real estate brokerage firm may offer transaction brokerage in accordance with S.C. Code of Laws Section 4057-350. Transaction broker means a real estate brokerage firm that provides customer service to a buyer, a seller, or both in a real estate transaction. A transaction broker may be a single agent of a party in a transaction
giving the other party customer service. A transaction broker also may facilitate a transaction without representing either party. The duties of a brokerage firm offering transaction brokerage relationship to a customer can be found in S.C. Code of Laws Section 40-57-350(L)(2).
You Can Become a Client of the Brokerage Firm
Clients receive more services than customers. If client status is offered by the real estate brokerage firm, you can become a client by entering into a written agency agreement requiring the brokerage firm and its associated licensees to act as an agent on your behalf and promote your best interests. If you choose to become a client, you will be asked to confirm in your written representation agreement that you received this agency relationships disclosure document in a timely manner.
A seller becomes a client of a real estate brokerage firm by signing a formal listing agreement with the brokerage firm. For a seller to become a client, this agreement must be in writing and must clearly establish the terms of the agreement and the obligations of both the seller and the brokerage firm which becomes the agent for the seller.
A buyer becomes a client of a real estate brokerage firm by signing a formal buyer agency agreement with the brokerage firm. For a buyer to become a client, this agreement must be in writing and must clearly establish the terms of the agreement and the obligations of both the buyer and the brokerage firm which becomes the agent for the buyer.
If you enter into a written agency agreement, as a client, the real estate brokerage has the following client-level duties: obedience, loyalty, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable skill and care. Client-level services also include advice, counsel and assistance in negotiations.
Single Agency
When the brokerage firm represents only one client in the same transaction (the seller or the buyer), it is called single agency.
Dual Agency
Dual agency exists when the real estate brokerage firm has two clients in one transaction – a seller client and a buyer client. At the time you sign an agency agreement, you may be asked to acknowledge whether you would consider giving written consent allowing the brokerage firm to represent both you and the other client in a disclosed dual agency relationship.
Disclosed Dual Agency
In a disclosed dual agency, the brokerage firm’s representation duties are limited because the buyer and seller have recognized conflicts of interest. Both clients’ interests are represented by the brokerage firm. As a disclosed dual agent, the brokerage firm and its associated licensees cannot advocate on behalf of one client over the other, and cannot disclose confidential client information concerning the price negotiations, terms, or factors motivating the buyer/client to buy or the seller/client to sell. Each Dual Agency Agreement contains the names of both the seller client(s) and the buyer client(s) and identifies the property.
Designated Agency
In designated agency, a broker-in-charge may designate individual associated licensees to act solely on behalf of each client. Designated agents are not limited by the brokerage firm’s agency relationship with the other client, but instead have a duty to promote the best interest of their clients, including negotiating a price. The broker-incharge remains a disclosed dual agent for both clients, and ensures the assigned agents fulfill their duties to their respective clients. At the time you sign an agency agreement, you may be asked to acknowledge whether you would consider giving written consent allowing the brokerage firm to designate a representative for you and one for the other client in a designated agency. Each Designated Agency Agreement contains the names of both the seller client(s) and the buyer client(s) and identifies the property.
It’s Your Choice
As a real estate consumer in South Carolina, it is your choice as to the type and nature of services you receive.
• You can choose to remain a customer and represent yourself, with or without a transaction broker agreement.
• You can choose to hire the brokerage firm for representation through a written agency agreement.
• If represented by the brokerage firm, you can decide whether to go forward under the shared services of dual agency or designated agency or to remain in single agency.
If you plan to become a client of a brokerage firm, the licensee will explain the agreement to you fully and answer questions you may have about the agreement. Remember, however that until you enter into a representation agreement with the brokerage firm, you are considered a customer and the brokerage firm cannot be your advocate, cannot advise you on price or terms, and only provides limited confidentiality unless a transaction broker agreement obligates the brokerage firm otherwise
By signing this disclosure, you do not agree to pay a commission or any other compensation to a brokerage firm. The amount, rate and source of any compensation for brokerage service will be contained in a separate agreement. Commissions are fully negotiable and not set by law.
The choice of service belongs to you – the South Carolina real estate consumer.
Acknowledgement of Receipt by Consumer:
Signature:
Signature:
Date:
Date:
Acknowledgement of Receipt by (Brokerage Firm Name)
Signature:
Date:
THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT A CONTRACT. This brochure has been approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission for use in explaining representation issues in real estate transactions and consumer rights as a buyer and seller. Reprinting without permission is permitted provided no changes or modifications are made.
Homebuyer’s Glossary
Appraisal:
Buyer Agent:
Buyer Agency Fee:
Private Mortgage Insurance:
Closing:
Closing Disclosure:
Competitive Market Analysis (CMA):
Contingency:
Deed:
Deed of trust:
Due Diligence:
Due Diligence Fee: Disclosure:
Earnest Money Deposit:
Fixture:
Homebuyer’s Glossary
Foreclosure: The legal process by which a Mortgage Lender (Mortgagee) or other lien holder obtains a termination of a Mortgage Borrower (Mortgagor’s) equitable right of redemption, either by court order or by operation of law (after following
Home Inspection: A thorough inspection that evaluates the structural and mechanical condition of a property.
Homeowners Association (HOA): An organized group of homeowners whose members help to regulate and enforce the rules and standards of their respective communities.
HVAC: An acronym for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
Loan-to-Value Ratio: The relationship between the amount of the mortgage loan and the value of the real estate being pledged as collateral.
Listing Agent: The person(s) who represents the Seller in the real estate
Market Value: The most probable price property will bring in an open market under normal conditions.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A marketing organization composed of member Brokers who agree to share their listing agreements with one another in the hope of producing ready, willing and able Buyers for their properties more quickly than they could on their own.
Radon: A naturally occurring inert and radioactive gas formed by the decaying chair of uranium in the earth. It is an odorless, colorless gas and hence, undetectable to the human sense. The particular hazardous chemical can only be detected by correct testing by a professional.
Realtor®: A person who acts as an agent for the sale and purchase of buildings and land; a real estate agent.
Recording: purchasers or mortgages.
Short Sale: A sale of real estate in which the proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the balance of debts lien holders agree to release their lien on the real estate and accept less than the amount owed on the debt.
Survey: A drawing or map showing the precise legal boundaries of a property, the location of improvements, easements, rights of way, encroachment and other physical features.
Time is of the essence: A phrase in a contract that requires the performance of a certain act within a stated period of time.
Title Insurance: A policy insuring the owner or mortgagee against loss by reason of defects in the title to a parcel real
803-548-4244
Settling In
803-684-2341
803-329-5500
803-323-5321
Internet, Telephone, and Television
Comporium Telecommunication
803-548-4777
803-326-6450 School Districts Fort
803-810-8000
803-548-2527
803-285-2045
803-684-9916
& Waste Removal Additional Info / Resources providers that serve your community, contact your municipal or county clerk.
803-981-1000
Supporting our Community
Own A Home?
OPEN UP POSSIBILITIES FOR OTHERS
THERE’S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. Never has that been truer than when coming together in the real estate community to combat homelessness.
THE HOMEOWNERS IMPACT FUND, home closing process to make a small donation that adds up to a substantial gift to local organizations working to lift men, women and children out of homelessness. Because when you harness the power of community, you can weather any storm.
HOW IT WORKS
consider supporting the Homeowners Impact Fund to help others in need. Funds raised are distributed directly to reputable
Every day, more than 3,000 people in the Charlotte area experience homelessness. Every day, more than 580,000 people across the US experience homelessness.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Become a supporter by following this link: homeowersimpactfund.org/donate For more information, email info@homeowersimpactfund.org
