Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and my goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Congratulations!\u00a0 Taking the exciting step of purchasing a home can be full of tons of emotions!\u00a0 One of the first things we’ll discuss before we begin touring homes is the Buyer’s Representation Agreement<\/strong>. If you’ve never purchased a home before, you may be wondering why it’s required and what it means for you.<\/p>\n Let’s break it down in simple terms.<\/p>\n A Buyer’s Representation Agreement is a written agreement between you and your REALTOR\u00ae that outlines how we’ll work together during your home-buying journey.<\/p>\n Think of it as hiring a professional to represent your best interests<\/strong> throughout the entire process. Just as sellers hire a listing agent to represent them, buyers deserve someone who is committed to protecting their interests as well.<\/p>\n The agreement explains:<\/p>\n In August 2024, new nationwide real estate practice changes went into effect that require REALTORS\u00ae to have a signed written agreement with a buyer before showing homes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This requirement was implemented to provide greater transparency so buyers clearly understand:<\/p>\n It’s important to know that this isn’t a rule created by me or my brokerage. It is now part of the professional standards REALTORS\u00ae follow to better protect consumers.<\/p>\n One of the greatest benefits of signing a Buyer’s Representation Agreement is that you have a REALTOR\u00ae who has a fiduciary duty<\/strong> to represent your interests.<\/p>\n A fiduciary duty is one of the highest legal and ethical responsibilities in any profession. As your REALTOR\u00ae, I am required to place your interests above everyone else’s<\/strong>, including my own.<\/p>\n That means I am committed to:<\/p>\n When you work with me, you can be confident that I’m advocating for you every step of the way.<\/p>\n Many buyers think a REALTOR\u00ae simply unlocks doors and writes contracts. In reality, there’s much more involved.<\/p>\n My job is to help you make informed decisions based on current market conditions\u2014not emotions or guesswork.<\/p>\n Throughout your home search, I continually provide valuable information including:<\/p>\n I spend countless hours studying the East Texas real estate market so my clients have the most current information available when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.<\/p>\n One of the most valuable services I provide is helping buyers understand what a home is actually worth.<\/p>\n Just because a home is listed at a certain price doesn’t necessarily mean that’s its market value.<\/p>\n Before you make an offer, I analyze:<\/p>\n This information helps us determine whether a home is priced appropriately and allows us to develop a competitive offer strategy based on facts instead of emotion.<\/p>\n My goal is never simply to help you buy a house\u2014it’s to help you make a smart investment.<\/p>\n Buying a home involves much more than negotiating the purchase price.<\/p>\n I’ll help negotiate:<\/p>\n Having an experienced REALTOR\u00ae on your side can often save you thousands of dollars while helping avoid costly mistakes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not necessarily.\u00a0 While there is a buyer’s agent fee included in the buyer’s representation agreement to be paid upon closing, many times this fee is negotiated into the contract and paid by the seller.\u00a0 Previously, sellers would offer a specific amount of compensation they were willing to include for the buyer’s agent with a listing agreement signed with their seller’s agent.\u00a0 Now that agreement only includes the seller’s agents fee and the Buyer’s agents fee is only negotiated with the offer.\u00a0 This way the compensation is negotiable and transparent to all parties as it should be!<\/p>\n My goal is to make sure you fully understand your options and feel comfortable every step of the way.<\/p>\n The agreement clearly outlines our working relationship so there are no misunderstandings. You’ll know what services I’m providing and what you can expect from me throughout the process.<\/p>\n Buying a home takes teamwork. By signing the agreement, we’re making a commitment to work together toward finding the right home for you.<\/p>\n That allows me to invest my time, knowledge, and resources into helping you succeed with confidence.<\/p>\n Absolutely!<\/p>\n In fact, I encourage it.<\/p>\n I never want you to sign something you don’t understand. I’ll take the time to explain every section of the agreement, answer your questions, and make sure you feel completely comfortable before moving forward.<\/p>\n There is never any pressure. My goal is for you to feel informed and confident throughout your home-buying journey.<\/p>\n When you choose to work with me, you’re choosing someone who is committed to putting your needs first.<\/p>\n As a full-time REALTOR\u00ae with CENTURY 21 Cota Realty for over 14 years<\/strong>, I have represented and helped buyers throughout Lufkin, Huntington, Diboll, Nacogdoches, Central, Hudson, and the surrounding East Texas communities successfully purchase homes of all sizes and price ranges from manufactured homes to luxury homes and massive East Texas Farms and Ranches!<\/p>\n I understand that every buyer’s situation is unique. My goal isn’t simply to help you purchase a home. My goal is to become your trusted real estate advisor before, during, and long after closing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, upgrading, downsizing, or investing, I’ll provide the education, guidance, market knowledge, and professional representation you deserve.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I’m proud to be the 2024 Lufkin Association of REALTORS\u00ae Realtor of the Year<\/strong> and a CENTURY 21 Centurion Award Winner in 2025<\/strong>, but the greatest reward is helping my clients achieve their dreams of homeownership while making the experience enjoyable and as stress-free as possible.<\/p>\n You’ll always receive honest advice, clear communication, and professional representation from start to finish.<\/p>\n If you’re thinking about buying a home or simply have questions about the process, I’d love the opportunity to help you navigate your journey with confidence.<\/p>\n Rooted in Faith, Strengthened by Hope — Guiding you home with Purpose! ~~ Colossians 2:7<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Twila Bertrand, REALTOR\u00ae<\/strong>What is a Buyer’s Representation Agreement?<\/h2>\n
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Why is it Required Before Viewing Homes?<\/h2>\n
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What Does It Mean to Have a REALTOR\u00ae Represent You?<\/h2>\n
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My Expertise Works for You<\/h2>\n
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I’ll Help You Determine Fair Market Value<\/h2>\n
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Expert Negotiation Matters<\/h2>\n
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Does Signing the Agreement Cost Me Money?<\/h2>\n
You’ll Know Exactly What to Expect<\/h3>\n
It Creates Trust and Commitment<\/h3>\n
Can I Ask Questions Before Signing?<\/h2>\n
My Commitment to You<\/h2>\n
\nCENTURY 21 Cota Realty<\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udcde 936-208-7631
\n\ud83d\udce7 twilabertrand@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n