Michelle Porter Realtors Buyer Experience Guide

THE BUYER EXPERIENCE MICHELLE PORTER REALTORS

What We Will Discuss TOPICS TO COVER

1. Get to Know Michelle Porter + Team 2. The Process 3. The Search 4. The Offer 5. The Costs 6. Contract to Closing 7. The Details 8. Moving Checklist 9. Our Resources 10. Let’s Get Moving!

Get to Know Michelle SHE'S MORE THAN REAL ESTATE!

Let me help you accomplish your dreams with minimal hassle. Count on receiving the best service in the industry, with detailed communication every step of the way.

30 Years Experience in Real Estate $287+ Million in Homes Sold 1,200+ Real Estate Transactions REALTOR®, Broker Lifelong Resident of Greensboro, NC BS - Interior Design & Business Management MBA - Masters Business Administration GRI - Graduate, REALTORS® Institute CSP - Certified New Home Sales Professional ABR - Accredited Buyer's Representative CRS - Certified Residential Specialist SFR - Short Sale & Foreclosure Specialist CPM- Certified Property Manager Luxury Collection Specialist When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family; Husband Lee, son McGehee, daughter Claibourne, dog Ryder, and rabbit Bunker. I also enjoy tennis, boating, golf, biking, and snow sking.

Meet Our Team MARY ELLEN LOWRY

My assistant, Mary Ellen, is indispensable to our team. She's passionate about helping people achieve their goals. Thanks to her efficiency, she makes things happen at lightning speed. But that's not all...

REALTOR®, Broker, Transaction Coordinator 20 Years Experience in Real Estate Lifelong Resident of Greensboro, NC Graduate of Davidson College with a degree in Anthropology Worked For a Large Local Builder Prior to Joining Our Team in March 2015 Detail-Oriented, Creative and Efficient Provides You With All Necessary Information Arranges Crucial Appointments (Inspections, Showings, Etc.) Coordinates the Closing Process

Beyond her work passion, you'll find her painting, reading, and her ultimate joy – spending quality time with her family and friends. Oh, did we mention she's a Pokémon GO enthusiast? And when it comes to sports, she is a die-hard Carolina Panthers football and Step Curry basketball fan!

Our Pledge to You Our focus is on excellent service with emphasis on a satisfying experience for YOU. It is our job to not only listen, hear, and truly understand your needs, but to also respond to them promptly, professionally, and with integrity. In order for us to accomplish this, it is important for us to understand your objectives. It is also important for you to understand the many factors involved with your real estate transaction.

We promise to provide you with constant communication and sound real estate advice, thus helping you to understand the implications of the decisions you make.

We welcome the opportunity to earn your business!

Keep you in our best interest at all times. We are 100% dedicated to our clients.

Be honest, ethical, and do our best work for you at all times.

Be available to serve your needs and contact at all times.

To continually keep your home in front of all potential buyers and motivated agents until it is SOLD.

EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. RESULTS.

“We were in really good hands with Michelle throughout the entire home buying process.

She helped us land our dream home and negotiate a deal that we felt great about.

Michelle clearly had our best interest at heart and went out of her way to ensure we were confident and comfortable with our purchase.”

PHOEBE MURRAY

You Need to Understand Agency!

We're here to be guides as you navigate the complexities of agency.

In today's market, real estate sales associates can work as agents representing either the buyer or the seller, and in some cases, both parties at the same time. The specific responsibilities of the agent to the buyer and the seller depend upon which party the agent actually represents.

Therefore, it is important for everyone involved in a particular transaction to understand the agency relationships which have been established. These relationships are governed by a variety of laws, regulations, and customs.

What type of agency relationship works best in a real estate transaction? That question must be answered by each buyer and seller after careful evaluation.

Please feel free to discuss this in more detail with me at any time.

Changes in buyer-broker compensation make understanding agency relationships more important than ever.

Scan to review the required Working With Real Estate Agents Disclosure.

Understanding Buyer Representation NAR Settlement Update

New Requirements for Today’s Buyers Beginning August 2024, all buyer agents must have a signed written Buyer Agency Agreement before touring any property with a buyer. These changes were created to increase transparency, clarify compensation, and ensure buyers fully understand the services and representation they receive.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT STAYS THE SAME

A WRITTEN BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT IS NOW REQUIRED BEFORE TOURING HOMES.

YOU ARE STILL FULLY REPRESENTED.

Must be signed before any showings—no exceptions. Applies to resale and new construction.

THE AGREEMENT MUST SPECIFY HOW YOUR AGENT IS COMPENSATED. Must include the amount or rate.

Compensation may come from the seller, the buyer, or both.

COMPENSATION IS NO LONGER IN MLS. If offered, it’s shared through off-MLS channels like email, social media, flyers, or direct outreach.

YOU AND YOUR AGENT DECIDE THE BEST STRATEGY. How compensation is handled varies by property—we’ll walk through each scenario together.

OUR ROLE WE WALK YOU THROUGH THE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT STEP-BY-STEP, EXPLAIN YOUR OPTIONS, ANSWER EVERY QUESTION & HELP YOU FEEL EMPOWERED & PROTECTED AS YOU MOVE FORWARD IN YOUR HOME SEARCH.

Your agent advocates for you and protects your interests.

COMPENSATION IS ALWAYS NEGOTIABLE. Nothing is fixed or set by law.

THE MLS REMAINS YOUR MOST ACCURATE SEARCH TOOL. You’ll still see all available listings in real time.

YOUR AGENT’S ETHICAL DUTIES REMAIN UNCHANGED. REALTORS® must act honestly and put your interests first.

YOU STAY IN CONTROL. You review the agreement, ask questions, and define expectations.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? SCAN FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & EXPLANATIONS FROM NAR.

Our Process Simplified The Goals To put you in the strongest negotiating position possible.

To help you find your dream home that is a great investment.

To make the buying process as stress-free as possible.

1. INITIAL CONSULTATION

2. FIND “THE ONE”

Let's chat about your needs & timeline. We'll review the home buying process in NC, and sign the Buyer Agency Agreement.

Review neighborhoods & areas to identify those matching your criteria. Begin showings to find your home.

3. MAKE AN OFFER

4. UNDER CONTRACT

Review of disclosures, property information, comparable sales & terms such as price, due diligence fee & earnest money deposit. We’ll negotiate a strong offer.

Once your offer is accepted, I will guide you through the due diligence period towards closing day (inspections, survey, appraisal & more).

5. CLOSING

6. BEYOND CLOSING

We’ll review the closing documents, meet for the final walk through & attend closing.

Keys become available once the deed is recorded.

I aim to foster trust & provide ongoing support through market insights, service provider recommendations & assistance for your friends & family.

Considerations for Housing WHAT TYPE OF HOUSE? Looking for a spacious lot or something more low-maintenance? Do you need a garage? A new build, a fixer-upper, or a recently renovated home? Knowing whether you would prefer a condo, townhouse, or single-family home will help us narrow the search.

YOUR LIFESTYLE Will you drive to work or use public transportation? Are there good bike routes? Is walking to school important?

Give some thought to how the commute in an area may or may not work for you.

COMMUNITY AND AMENITIES Consider whether an area has recreation centers, parks, good schools, libraries, restaurants and grocery stores. Are there vibrant coffee shops, boutique shops, or home improvement stores? How about neighborhood events? What is important to you in a community?

The Search Whether looking for a lot, new construction or an existing house, our search may include: Multiple Listing Service For Sale by Owners BHHS Office Exclusives Open Houses Networking

& t a h W Why

Scan to Download My App for Exclusive MLS Access!

Create a list of approximately 5-7 features you want included in your next home.

Next to each feature, write the reason for each one.

Circle 3 non-negotiables.

Note: It’s ideal for each decision maker to create their own list.

Be prepared to make an offer - Get Pre-Approved Now, because opportunity knocks when you least expect it!

Scan for Mortgage Consultant Bill Mecklenburg’s Website!

Bill Mecklenburg with Prosperity Home Mortgage comes highly recommended by me for his exceptional lending services.

The Offer Your’ve found your dream home; Let’s make an offer.

PREPARE THE OFFER I will provide you with up-to-date comparable market data, and will draft an Offer to Purchase that contains the following terms: PRICE The price you are willing to pay for the property.

DUE DILIGENCE FEE & PERIOD Non-refundable deposit paid directly to the seller on the effective date for a negotiated period of time to conduct inspections and start the loan process. This period typically ranges from 0-30 days. The buyer can terminate the contract for any reason or no reason during this period. The fee applies to the purchase price if you do not terminate.

INITIAL AND/OR ADDITIONAL EARNEST MONEY Initial Earnest Money is due at time of or within 5 days of contract and held in escrow. It is refundable until the end of the due diligence period; it is non-refundable after the due diligence period. If offered, Additional Earnest Money is due on a negotiated date and must be in the form of a certified bank check.

SETTLEMENT, CLOSING & POSSESSION Select the settlement date. Closing documents are signed at the settlement. Closing occurs when all monies are received and the deed is recorded. Possession and exchange of keys takes place once the deed is recorded.

FIXTURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TO CONVEY Fixtures are items attached to the house and are expected to convey. For example, curtain rods/blinds, the kitchen range and bathroom mirrors are all considered fixtures.

Personal property items such as the washer, dryer and refrigerator need to be listed on the contract at time of offer if you want them to convey.

FINANCING Be prepared to provide proof of funds and/or pre-approval letter from your mortgage lender with your offer. You must disclose if you need to sell a property before you can close on a new one.

The Costs Before you buy, know your numbers.*

Earnest Money & Due Diligence Fee (both apply towards purchase)

Depends on Contract

Property Inspections (Home, Radon, Septic, Well, Termite, HVAC)

$500-$1,500 +/- (ask me for a detailed estimate)

Survey

$525-$1,000 +/-

Title Insurance

See Lender for Quote

Homeowner’s Insurance

$500-$2,000 (See Insurance Agent)

Home Warranty (Optional)

$650-$900

Attorney Fees

$900+

Brokerage Commission and Fee

3% plus $500 flat fee

Recording Fees

$35-$150

Costs Associated with Loan

1% of Loan Amount (See Lender for Quote)

Appraisal

$400-$750

Reserves for HOA Dues, Taxes, PMI, etc.

See Lender for Quote

Property Taxes

See County Tax Website

*This should be used as a checklist for informational purposes only and are not your actual closing figures. Your lender will provide numbers on the “good faith estimate.”

Contract to Closing During 'the busy time,' we work diligently to add substantial value to your home buying journey as we navigate the contract to closing process.

Monies referenced in the offer are delivered to the appropriate parties Executed contract documents are sent to the lender and closing attorney Select title insurance policy and secure homeowners insurance Schedule closing attorney Property appraisal is conducted as part of the loan approval process Schedule inspections and order survey as requested on the Professional Services Disclosure and Election form Review and discuss the inspection findings and submit a written request to the seller outlining any items you want to address Negotiate a Due Diligence Request and Agreement with the seller, if applicable Review Closing Disclosure and arrange for monies to be delivered for settlement Conduct your final walk through Attend settlement

“Buying a house with Michelle was a great experience. She was quick to respond to all of our questions and since we needed to move very soon, she was very fast at getting us through the homebuying process while still being thorough. She was very knowledgeable about the whole process and you could tell she really cared about her job and clients. We would highly recommend Michelle and will definitely be using her again in the future!”

MITCHELL GIGANDET

The Details Find answers to the most common home buying questions.

Should I get a survey?

Yes! A survey is highly recommended when buying a detached home. Our team will order the survey at least 3-4 weeks prior to closing.

Should I get a home inspection?

Yes! A home, radon, termite, HVAC, chimney, well, and septic inspection, etc. are recommended during the due diligence period, as applicable.

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that can protect your budget from unexpected costs, such as home systems and appliances that may fail due to normal wear and tear. You have the option to ask the seller to pay for it on the contract at time of offer.

Will we conduct a walk through?

Yes, I recommend conducting a final walk through just prior to closing to ensure there are no surprises and the home is in the condition that you expected it to be in.

Do I need to attend closing?

Closing in person is preferred; However, arrangements can sometimes be made for a “mail away closing” if approved by the lender and attorney.

When will I get the keys?

Once the deed is recorded.

Our Resources Berkshire Hathaway offers a complete suite of Home Services for one-stop shopping.

2025 World’s Most Admired Companies

01. Apple 02. Microsoft 03. Amazon 04. Nvidia 05. Berkshire Hathaway

We Outperform The Market BHHS Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015 Chairman’s Circle Gold Award (Top 2% in the Nation Out of 50,000+ Agents) 2023 Chairman’s Circle 10 Year Legend Award 2021, 2016 Chairman’s Circle Platinum Award (Top 1% in the Nation Out of 50,000+ Agents)

Referrals are My Lifeblood!

I work for your satisfaction so you will feel comfortable referring your friends and family to me.

Five-Star Reviews

Moving Checklist Our goal is to help you achieve a seamless transition to your new home.

6-8 WEEKS BEFORE

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE

Create a room-by-room inventory.

Decide what will move with you and what will go. Sell or donate unwanted items.

Contact utilities, post office, insurance, and other service providers and provide dates of move.

Need to hire movers? Time to ask around, compare, and book a reputable company.

Start a contact list and begin sending new address notifications.

Pack important documents, records and valuables yourself and keep with you.

If moving on your own, reserve a moving truck or trailer.

Obtain boxes and begin packing. Label for content and destination.

Keep packing!

2 WEEKS BEFORE Arrange for babysitter/pet sitter on moving day if necessary.

Finalize moving arrangements.

Pack up garage or shed, as it can take longer than expected.

Have extra supply of prescription meds for the next four weeks.

MOVING DAY Do a final walk through and check the outside of old home.

Check all cupboards and closets.

Make a list of repairs needed in your new home.

Unpack essentials, then tackle everything else.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE Clean refrigerators and freezer.

Pack a box of items you’ll need right away at your new home.

Pack computer and electronic devices.

Looking for a contractor?

Scan the QR code!

Let’s Get Moving!

MAILING ADDRESS BHHS Yost & Little Realty 1007 Battleground Ave, Ste 101, Greensboro, NC 27408 BHHS Pinehurst Realty Group 42 Chinquapin Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

EMAIL ADDRESS

homes@michelleporter.com

PHONE NUMBER (336) 207-0515

Connect With Us @michelleporterrealtors

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