WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT

A good real estate agent is, first and foremost, a good communicator. An effective agent has to be able to listen to your needs and to answer your questions, in order to match you with the right property. Your agent needs to be responsive and able to communicate with you in your desired method (email, fax, telephone etc). Your agent needs to be able to refer you to the appropriate lenders, lawyers, inspectors or insurance company. Good agents have good instincts and years of experience to back them up. Your agent needs to be associated with a recognized industry leader, aware of legal requirements affecting property. They should have the skills to prequalify you as a buyer, and to cooperate with all brokers. Your agent should be an expert in your neighborhood of choice, They should be willing to attend property inspections with you and assist you in estimating costs and in signing closing documents.

Agents need to be ahead of every aspect of the process, pointing out facts about the property that may not be obvious to you. Your agent should be able to show you a market analysis of comparative values in the area. The best agents will present your offer in person to the seller, be skilled at negotiating and should be willing to put in extra effort or spend extra hours with you in case of problems to make sure you are satisfied. Good agents are full-time professionals committed to high ethical standards and working with your best interests as their client.

Contact Sharon Robinson-Kramlich: skramlich@pacunion.com

Essential Services

Educated and licensed by the state to provide services, and with years of experience under my belt as a Top Producer, I can assist you by providing:

• An up to the Minute Analysis- of properties which fit your requirements.
• A commitment to listen- your needs may change as we move through the process.
• A Market Awareness- keeping you aware of the incoming inventory, as well as recent sales data, statistics and current trends.
• Strategic Plan- define a plan that works with your schedule and requirements.
• Home Tours- previewing and then making appointments to see properties with you.
• Networking- with brokers and other professionals to uncover potential properties for sale.
• Recommendations- using my extensive network of advisors, loan officers, lawyers, title officers, contractors etc.
• Advice- ongoing advice on market conditions, property conditions, what to look out for, how best to cover your concerns in an offer
• Expert Negotiation- I will present your offer in person to the seller or their agent and work diligently to have your offer accepted.
• And much, much more…

WORKING WITH AN AGENT

Finding the best property available and negotiating the best terms is most likely going to occur with the help of a skilled agent. Step one of the process is to submit your property requirements to a qualified professional. You should meet in person and discuss your requirements, and ask questions of one another to make sure that you are compatible.

Under the Civil Code, a real estate agent can work with you the buyer while being compensated by the seller. The code mandates that the agent will carry out their fiduciary duties assisting a buyer with "utmost care, honesty, and loyalty." Much of an agent's work is performed behind the scenes, previewing properties, evaluating the market and changing legislation, researching comparable sales, etc. For every hour spent with you, the agent may have spent up to ten hours preparing to assist you.

Commitment to you
Sharon Robinson-Kramlich

Acting as your representative and real estate consultant, I can provide you with the highest level of service. A member of both the California and National Association of Realtors, and an associate with Pacific Union, I am connected to one of the strongest network of professionals in the Bay Area. How I Work

Your Commitment

I will be able to represent you with unparalleled integrity, investing substantial time and effort on your behalf. In return, I request your loyalty to work with me exclusively in selecting and buying your home. Some first time homeowners are unaware of this important ethical responsibility of the buyer.

Essential Services

Educated and licensed by the state to provide services, and with years of experience under my belt as a Top Producer, I can assist you by providing:

• An up to the Minute Analysis- of properties which fit your requirements.
• A commitment to listen- your needs may change as we move through the process.
• A Market Awareness- keeping you aware of the incoming inventory, as well as recent sales data, statistics and current trends.
• Strategic Plan- define a plan that works with your schedule and requirements.
• Home Tours- previewing and then making appointments to see properties with you.
• Networking- with brokers and other professionals to uncover potential properties for sale.
• Recommendations- using my extensive network of advisors, loan officers, lawyers, title officers, contractors etc.
• Advice- ongoing advice on market conditions, property conditions, what to look out for, how best to cover your concerns in an offer
• Expert Negotiation- I will present your offer in person to the seller or their agent and work diligently to have your offer accepted.
• And much, much more…

Compensation

An agent is compensated only after your needs have been satisfied and you take ownership of your new home. Real estate commissions are paid on a percentage basis, originally negotiated as part of the agreement between seller and listing agent (representing the seller). As noted in the Civil Code, though the fee is being paid by the seller, the buyer's agent has exclusive responsibility to the buyer. In San Francisco, it is usual that the listing agent (representing the seller) splits the fee with the buyer's agent equally. Sometimes the listing agent agrees to represent both the buyer and seller, and is then precluded from negotiation on the price for the benefit of the buyer.