PAUL'S BUYER PROTECTION PLAN

Because I believe in the importance of a thorough inspection, I pay for a home inspection for my buyers and make sure they receive a home warranty by paying for one if the seller does not provide it.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN HOUSE-HUNTING

As a consumer advocate, I have always felt the traditional agent (now known as a seller's agent) could not ethically provide the kinds of information and services needed by people unfamiliar with the area. If you have already visited an open house, contacted a listing agent about a property, or visited a subdivision model home a buyer's agent will probably not be able to represent you in purchasing any of those properties.

According to Maryland law, all agents must explain the representation provided by a seller's agent, a buyer's agent, and a dual agent before you begin looking at properties and have you sign Understanding Who Real Estate Agents Represent indicating your selection. A buyer's agent should also ask you to sign a contract outlining the conditions of your commitment.

I want your personal loyalty, so I have no up-front fees and no unconditional, long-term commitments in my buyer's agency contract. In most cases, commissions are paid by the seller, even to buyer's agents.

A BUYER'S AGENT IS A MUST WHEN RELOCATING

My 50-page booklet on Montgomery County and 30-page booklet on Frederick County are designed to answer the questions I have been asked most frequently over the past twelve years of helping buyers relocating to these two Maryland counties.

In addition to the overview of the schools included in my booklets, I can send you individual school profiles and test scores for both counties using material from Montgomery County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, and The Maryland Department of Education and printed reports available through The National School Report Service.