Working with a Buyers Agent

If you are thinking about buying a home, lot, or residential income property in SouthWest Florida, our job is to find the best fit for your objectives, preferences, style, location, budget, and financial expectations. We work with buyers looking for real estate in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Naples and surrounding communities.

We present all properties that are available and that match your criteria, no matter which brokerage it is listed with (we present all listings, not just our brokerage’s properties). Learn more about how we work with you while shopping for a home on our Shopping FAQs page.

We make sure that we have all the information on the style and price range of the properties available, and that you know what is on the market at all times. (See the Investment Types section for background on retirement, second home, or investment properties.)

You will receive detailed listing information on properties for
consideration and expert, timely showings of those you choose to tour.

If you are buying remotely, we tour properties, obtain photographs, research listing financials (taxes, fees, assessments, restrictions, and similar) and provide you professional presentations of those under consideration.

As we near the offer stage, we provide you with an analysis of comparable properties to aid in determining the details of an offer package. We can also provide support in exploring financing possibilities and put you in touch with professional, licensed mortgage brokers.

If you are a European buyer, rest assured that the process is quite efficient and smooth and that we have worked with buyers in Great Britian, Ireland, and Germany, to name a few. Read about UK buyer experiences here. Or contact us and we’ll help you understand the process and answer any questions you may have.

Also if you are purchasing through a 1031 Exchange, lease note that we have experience in with the Exchange process. Most investors prefer to work with Realtors who are knowledgeable about the process, especially with regards to schedule requirements and working with the intermediary.

Tips for Helping Things Go Smoothly

Proof of Funds is Needed. Evidence of ability to purchase is required by sellers, either Proof of Funds (if paying cash) or a pre-approval letter if financing. If financing, it’s best to get your financing pre-approval letter before you start shopping. This will assure you of the price range you are qualified for and will assure the seller that you are serious and thus will increase the chances that your offer will be accepted.

Local Financing is Effecient. Our experience has been that it’s best to choose a SouthWest Florida mortgage broker or bank. The market here is different and so out-of-state underwriters have trouble keeping pace with the market changes. This is especially true if you are purchasing an income-producing property, whether a multifamily unit or a vacation rental home/condo.

Buying Remotely is Common. It is common for buyers to purchase a property “sight unseen.” This typically occurs if the buyer has been to the area sometime in the past and is somewhat familiar with the area and for those who are buying vacant lots.Realty firms, mortgage brokers, closing companies, and title companies are all equipped to work with long-distance customers.

Using e-mail, fax, and overnight delivery, the process can proceed just as smoothly as if you were here.As your agents, we are your eyes and ears. We email photos of the property, provide you with contacts for inspections or appraisers, attend the inspection, facilitate transmittal of documents, and generally represent you every step of the way and provide regular status updates.And not to worry. You can close on a property long-distance. You do not need to travel for the closing.

Offer Contingencies. It is common for buyers to purchase a property “sight unseen.” This typically occurs if the buyer has been to the area sometime in the past and is somewhat familiar with the area and for those who are buying vacant lots.Realty firms, mortgage brokers, closing companies, and title companies are all equipped to work with long-distance customers. Using e-mail, fax, and overnight delivery, the process can proceed just as smoothly as if you were here.

As your agents, we are your eyes and ears. We email photos of the property, provide you with contacts for inspections or appraisers, attend the inspection, facilitate transmittal of documents, and generally represent you every step of the way and provide regular status updates.And not to worry. You can close on a property long-distance. You do not need to travel for the closing.

Closing Cost Estimates. In Florida, the largest closing cost fees are paid by the seller (title insurance policy and real estate commissions). But there are some costs buyers need to be aware of. We’ll help you get a more specific estimate by providing you with a buyer’s “net sheet” before writing a purchase contract. Also, a week or a few days before closing, the title company provides a settlement statement (called a HUD) that states all fees, to whom they are paid, and the final amount due at closing. Together, we review this carefully prior to closing.