INDEPENDENT, EXCLUSIVE BUYER'S AGENT AND RELOCATION SPECIALIST

Relocation should always be done by a buyer's agent. I have always agreed with this statement made by the attorney for the Maryland Association of Realtors. Only a buyer's agent can answer all your questions as you relocate to Montgomery or Frederick Counties Maryland. In 1993, I became certified by the first national organization training and certifying buyer's agents. I also appeared on ABC TV's Good Morning America demonstrating the difference between a buyer's agent and a traditional agent.

To avoid pressures or incentives to show in-house listings first, I decided that my company, E P Associates Realtors, would not seek listings. My clients work with me because I treat them like friends and offer special services not because they have paid an up-front fee or signed a lengthy contract.

Working as a nationally certified buyer's agent and independent broker, I provide the following necessary services to my buyers:

• A market analysis should always be part of the buyer's decision in making an offer. The market analysis should be thorough, accurate, and as recent as possible. The data in a market analysis should be complete and objective not swayed by outside influences.
• A home inspection allowing the buyer to request the seller to make repairs to any part of the property, even if it does function to meet minimal standards, should be done by the most experienced and thorough inspector possible. As a buyer's agent I use the type of inspection that provides the buyer the most information and the most options in negotiation. An inspection sought by seller's agents or dual agents may include only certain systems and make only minimal functioning necessary.
• A home warranty should be included in every purchase. I pay for this warranty when the seller does not.
• Negotiation of the payment of specific settlement costs is between the buyer and the seller, with certain exceptions in FHA and VA financed purchases. The structuring of these settlement costs materially affects the expenses of the buyer. The options and their effects should be pointed out by a buyer's agent.
• Calculation of Purchaser's Settlement Costs to be paid at closing should be done for each property, since these costs vary by jurisdiction and negotiation.
• Master plans of the area will be shown to the buyer, not just recommended for reading, even when the buyer is not required by law to have seen these documents.
• Crime statistics for the specific area chosen will be obtained from local police personnel.
• Financing that is quick and that best meets the buyer's needs should be arranged. I will help you shop for financing.
• Settlement should be arranged using the most professional and competitively priced settlement company. I will maintain contact with all interested parties throughout the settlement process.

Paul reduces trauma and wasted time for the buyer!