A Guide to Buyer Representation
Extraordinary care from beginning to end.
Our commitment has always been to curate an exceptional experience for our clients - one that is characterized by excellence, integrity, and professionalism. Whether you are embarking on your first home purchase, transitioning from another region or country, exploring real estate options, or seeking out-of-state opportunities, it is essential to align yourself with experts.
Our team of experienced Real Estate Advisors understands your unique requirements. We possess an in-depth grasp of our local markets, fortified by an extensive global network. We are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive advice and strategy.
Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty has created this Buyer Guide to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of crucial components and choices available to buyers during the purchasing process. Our purpose is to inform and guide you through each phase of this journey.
Your trusted real estate advisor.
Buying a home is typically one of the largest investments you will make and will have lasting consequences for years to come. Our team of trusted real estate advisors will expertly guide you through the many intricacies of buying a home and help you to avoid costly mistakes.
Leverage the Sotheby’s International Realty Brand
Sotheby’s International Realty is a globally recognized brand that lends credibility to your offers and elevates your representation. Our success is defined by our deep commitment to our clients. This trust has been built over 270 years of Sotheby’s selling their clients’ most valuable treasures.
Navigating the Home Purchase Process
Having an experienced professional in your corner offers a competitive advantage when searching for your home and accessing local resources. An Advisor’s broad perspective can provide a stabilizing force to assist you through what can be a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, process.
Understand buyer representation.
Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Advisors will provide you with a Buyer Agency Agreement that will explain in detail the role of your Buyer Advisor. A Buyer Agency Agreement must be signed by the purchaser and the Broker in order for the Advisor to represent the purchaser on the buyer-side of a transaction. A Buyer Advisor represents only the buyer and promotes and protects their best interests throughout the transaction, keeping all information confidential.
Once an agreement is signed, the Buyer Advisor owes a fiduciary duty to represent the best interests of the buyer throughout the purchase process.
About brokerage compensation.
Similar to a Listing Agreement, Buyers execute an Agency Agreement for professional services and representation between themselves and Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. This confirms the compensation for the Buyer’s Advisor and Brokerage. It should be noted that the amount a brokerage charges is not fixed by law, the commission amount is negotiable, and brokerages may set minimum compensation.
How are commissions paid?
Seller Paid Brokerage Commission
The Listing Brokerage, at the direction of the Seller, may offer compensation to be paid to the Brokerage representing the Buyer. Buyer’s can request that Sellers pay some or all of the compensation due to the Buyer’s Broker in the written offer, which allows the compensation to be incorporated into the final sales price. In the event that the Seller declines to offer compensation to the Buyer’s Broker or offer an amount that is different from what has been agreed upon between the Buyer and their Buyer’s Broker, the Buyer’s Agency Agreement details the compensation for buyer representation.
Buyer Paid Brokerage Commission
Your Advisor can search for properties not listed in the MLS, including For Sale By Owner, Off-Market opportunities, and Office Exclusives. The Buyer Agency Agreement details the compensation for buyer representation for properties not offering compensation or are not listed in the MLS, including For Sale By Owner, Off-Market opportunities and in some instances, Office Exclusives.
Perks of exclusive buyer representation.
Your Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Advisor will prepare a contract outlining our services so we can commit to assisting you with your home purchase. As your exclusive Broker, we will be guiding you through the home purchase experience.
Below is an overview of how we demonstrate value and contribute to a successful purchase:
• Create a personalized purchase strategy
• Provide an overview of the current market dynamics and challenges
• Evaluate purchase price range
• Schedule property tours, both privately and of open homes
• Provide access to off-market, and office-exclusive listings
• Review disclosures on selected homes
• Evaluate & negotiate offers
• Recommend home inspectors and other concierge services to support your move
• Assist with procuring a mortgage lender and insurance provider
The unmatched value that our advisors provide.
Your Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Advisor has invested countless hours to develop the knowledge needed to guide you to a fully executed contract of sale and through to the closing. Therefore, when you engage a Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Advisor, you’re not just compensating them for the time and effort they put into one transaction - you’re also benefiting from our firm’s years of expertise.
Here are some of the reasons why this expertise is valuable:
WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE
Our Real estate Advisors have indepth knowledge about the local market, including pricing trends, neighborhoods, and what buyers and sellers are looking for. They can use this knowledge to guide you to make informed decisions.
OUR ACCESS TO THE NETWORK
Advisors have a vast network of professionals, from inspectors to mortgage lenders and insurance underwriters, which can be invaluable during the buying process. These relationships can expedite processes or uncover opportunities you might not find on your own.
WE CAN NEGOTIATE CONFIDENTIALLY
An experienced Advisor has honed their negotiation skills over many transactions. We can help you obtain the best possible terms on your purchase.
WE CAN NAVIGATE SALES CONTRACTS WITH EASE
Real estate transactions involve a lot of paperwork. Our experienced Advisors understand the ins-and-outs of these contracts and can help you navigate them.
WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
Every real estate transaction has its unique challenges. Our experienced Advisors have likely encountered and overcome many hurdles and can use that experience to address any issues that arise.
WE SAVE TIME
There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work we do - from researching properties, coordinating with other Advisors and handling paperwork. Our expertise streamlines the process, saving you time.
WE WILL BE YOUR ADVISOR & FIDUCIARY
Buying a home can be emotionally charged. An Advisor serves as a confidential advisor and fiduciary, ensuring that emotions don’t cloud judgment or derail a transaction.
WE PROVIDE GUIDANCE IN THE FUTURE
Our Advisors provide value even after a transaction is complete, offering advice on home improvements, market trends, or when might be a good time to buy or sell again.
WE MITIGATE YOUR RISK
Mistakes in real estate can be costly. Whether it’s missing a disclosure or not understanding a contingency in a contract, our experienced Advisors can help mitigate these risks.
WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OUR SKILLS
The real estate market and its regulations are continually evolving. Our experienced Advisors invest in ongoing education and training to stay updated, ensuring we provide you with experienced service.
Our exciting new Property Enhancement Program PREP
We unlock the door to your best life - at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, we have connected with premier partners who will support a smooth and easy transaction - everything from pre-listing renovations to mortgage services and insurance. It’s like asking the hotel concierge to recommend the best restaurant in town: you know you will be treated with extra care when you get there because you are a guest at the hotel. Our agents take care of their clients in the same way.
REAL ESTATE FINANCING
Title Mortgage Solution, LLC is specializing in serving our clients in Vermont and New hampshire with unparalleled dedication and expertise. Our mission is simple: to provide seamless mortgage solutions while prioritizing exceptional client service. Aligned with both local community partners and national wholesalers, we can offer the best combination of competitive rates, closing costs, and the widest range of unique and creative loan programs, all while keeping that local service which is so important. Powered by Title Mortage Solutions
HOME INSURANCE
NFP coordinates personal property insurance for your distinct needs. Our personal insurance specialists will work with you to identify potential exposures to loss and provide recommendations on appropriate coverage specific to you. Perhaps you have gatherings that require more liability coverage or fill your home with valuables you want to protect, NFP can help assess and make suggestions on how best to keep you and your belongings safe. Powered by NFP
PRE-LISTING RENOVATIONS
Notable offers a line of credit for sellers to use to prepare a property for sale. Borrowers are liberated to set a budget rather than being required to determine their exact needs upfront. Notable’s loans are clear-cut, featuring simple interest and no hidden fees. Borrowers can always stay informed about their obligations, and borrowers and agents oversee the hiring of vendors and submitting expenses. The line of credit is paid off at closing. Powered by PREP
HOME WARRANTIES
It’s not just coverage: It’s peace of mind. A home warranty also called a residential service contract, helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing certain appliances and systems in a home if they break down. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, a home warranty usually covers major appliances such as water heaters, stoves, and refrigerators and may include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Home warranties are usually a year-long term, paid in advance at closing.
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HOME MANAGEMENT
Moving in, made easy. Moving doesn’t have to be a complicated process.
It can be as easy as going from point A to point B.
• A dedicated concierge to assist you with all of your moving needs
• An online platform that makes it easy to compare quotes from multiple service providers
• A checklist of essential services to get ready for move-in day
• Access to exclusive, pre-negotiated savings
Your blueprint for building wealth. Whether you’ve just moved or have lived in your home for years, we can help you manage your home.
• Track the value of your home and how to leverage your home equity
• Decide which home improvement projects can deliver the most return on your investment
• Continuously monitor your home services to get you savings and reduce your expenses
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RELOCATION
SERVICES
Creating a new life in a new location is about much more than packing boxes, finding a new home, and finding new furniture. With the unmatched expertise of the Relocation Services division of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, we provide the framework and the resources you need to connect to new homes, new neighborhoods and new communities. And we do the same for top firms moving to New Hampshire, Vermont, the Hudson Valley, Saratoga Springs, Adirondack and Upstate regions of New York.
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Sotheby’s White Glove Service
SOTHEBY’S VALUATIONS
Chances are you’ve been curious about the value of something unique or special in your life. That’s why Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty can facilitate appraisals and valuations for items such as jewelry, fine art, wine, and more — regardless of price.
FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT
For the design enthusiast, there is no better resource than Sotheby’s Home, the exclusive platform for buying and selling pre-owned home décor and furniture. From exclusive white-glove shipping to zero-cost listings, clients of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty benefit from an exclusive suite of services designed to buy and sell new, nearly new or vintage and antique pieces at the click of a button.
The journey of buying a home.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Understanding you and your goals
SIGN BUYERS AGREEMENT
Deciding budget and price range
PROPERTY SEARCH
Finding your dream home
OFFER SUBMISSION
Understanding market conditions
NEGOTIATION
Getting the best price and terms for your purchase
INSURANCE
Obtaining Home Owner’s Insurance
HOME INSPECTION
Examining the condition of the home
COORDINATE AN APPRAISAL
Valuating your future home
MORTGAGE FINANCING
Obtaining lender commitment
PRE-CLOSING WALK-THROUGH
Making sure the property is in the expected condition prior to closing.
CLOSING
Reviewing and executing final purchase documents
What to expect at your first meeting.
An initial consultation is important to understand your home-buying needs and to develop a strategy to help you successfully make a purchase.
Buyer Broker Agreement
Reviewing our mutual agreement, including scope of work, areas of interest, expectations and compensation
Understanding Your Real Estate Goals
• Purchase time frames
• Past experience with real estate purchasing
• Risk tolerance
• Financing and stage of pre-approval, if a loan is needed
Refining Property Search Criteria
• Location and neighborhood
• Price range
• Size of home, style, amenities
• Specific requirements and non-negotiables
• Condition of home and flexibility to make improvements
• School districts, commute, walkability, neighborhood amenities, etc.
Navigating steps to a successful purchase.
Each homebuying journey is unique, just like our clients.
The following is a list of some of the items our Advisors can assist you with that may be part of your home purchase process.
Financing
Financing and good lender relationships are important. We can recommend the right loan officer who can help you financially prepare to purchase your home. Our Advisors can:
• Provide a list of lenders who can pre-approve you and confirm the property price range
• Suggest that you obtain loan pre-approval subject to the property selection
• Collaborate with lender on any Bridge Loan so you can buy before you sell
• Provide any requested contract documentation
• Show the property to the Appraiser and provide supporting comparable sales information
Locating and viewing suitable properties.
Our Advisors view properties continually, follow local market dynamics, and are here to guide you in finding the right home.
Our Advisors can also:
• Set up automated Listing Alerts that meet your search criteria
• Present off-market or pre-market listings as they arise
• Communicate with Advisors to schedule and set up private showings
• Map out and tour properties together
• Recommend properties that are available to view at Open Houses
• Provide timely Market Reports
• Review the pros and cons of each home after viewing
Evaluating selected properties.
We will help you assess how your selected property compares to others on the market and to homes recently sold. A benefit of having a trusted real estate advisor at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty as your buyer agent is their familiarity with required disclosures, recommendations for inspectors, and experience with the neighborhood in which you are interested.
• Our Advisors will request and review any and all necessary information from the Listing Agent
• Discuss with your Advisor if you want to get any additional inspections and determine the timeframe for needed contingencies
• If the home is in an HOA, Condo, or Co-op, we will assist in your review of the resale package containing rules, by-laws and budget information
• Your Buyer Advisor will help you determine the timeframe for needed contingencies as well as to recommend any additional inspections you may require
Writing competitive offers.
When we locate a property that meets your needs, we will provide market analysis and strategy to assist you in determining an offer price and terms, and then negotiate on your behalf.
• Communicate with the listing Advisor to get the best information possible about competing offers and sellers’ preferences regarding terms, and the timeline for offer submission.
• Review comparable sales and discuss the price and terms that can best position your offer.
• Our Advisors can prepare a compelling offer with the relevant addenda and disclosures, and will submit the loan approval letter and proof of funds with the offer.
• Get signatures and initials on all offer documents to provide a complete offer.
Presenting Your Offer
Representing you in the best light can be helpful in securing the home you desire. What may not be evident at the outset is the value of having a Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Advisor with a trusted brand and excellent reputation in the eyes of other Advisors - who are often a key factor in helping their clients assess competing offers.
• Present the offer in a timely manner
• Maintain communications and forward any counter-offers for review
• Negotiate on your behalf and write any addenda or subsequent counter-offers
Contract signing.
Congratulations! this is just the start of the transaction process. Your Advisor will guide you through the requirements that are contained in your purchase and sales agreement
Home inspections and other contingencies
There may be numerous contingencies associated with your contract, including a home inspection. Our Advisors will assist you in navigating this process:
• Your Advisor can help you locate a home inspector, plus arrange any additional inspections if needed
• Coordinate and schedule the home inspection
• Attend the home inspection
• Forward and review the Inspection Report with you
• Assist you in negotiating repairs or credits
• Communicate with your lender as requested
• Assist the appraiser with access to the home and provide comparables, as needed
• Provide resources for Homeowners Insurance
• Guide you through any remaining contingencies
Completing the closing process.
Congratulations on your home purchase.
• We can recommend movers, interior designers, landscapers, general contractors, gardeners, cleaning services, and home maintenance services
• Arrange for a final walkthrough of the property
• Provide resources for a Home Warranty Policy
• We will accompany you to the closing (as needed)
We unlock the door to your best life.
Vermont
Champlain Valley
South Burlington: 802.864.0541
Central Vermont
Rutland: 802.774.7007
Killington: 802.746.4203
Stowe: 802.253.7267
Northeast Kingdom
St. Johnsbury: 802.751.7582
Southern Vermont
Mount Snow: 802.464.1200
Stratton: 802.297.1100
Manchester: 802.362.4551
Okemo: 802.228.4537
Upper Valley
Fairlee: 802.333.4701
New Hampshire
Lake Sunapee Region
New London: 603.526.4050
Lakes Region of NH Meredith: 603.677.7012
Southern New Hampshire Bedford: 603.413.7600
Peterborough: 603.924.3321
Upper Valley Hanover: 603.643.6070
New York
Hudson Valley
Kingston: 845.331.3100
Rhinebeck: 845.876.5100
Tivoli: 845.757.5000
Catskill: 518.943.7533
Hudson: 518.822.0800
Upstate New York
Saratoga Springs: 518.580.8500
Bolton Landing: 518.644.9500
Lake Placid: 518.523.2550
Central New York
Syracuse: 315.685.8100
Thousand Islands Region: 315.685.8100
Finger Lakes Region: 315.685.8100
Western New York
Buffalo: 716.320.1414
Rochester: 585.394.7111