As a top Realtor, I do not work alone! I have a whole team of people working in your best interests. Meet our team.
Sabrina Fokas - 100% Buyer Specialist
Dean Fokas - 100% Buyer Specialist
DeeDee Singletary - 100% Buyer Specialist
Sharon Scott - 100% Buyer Specialist
Tim Harp - 100% Buyer Specialist
FAQs Answered By Regina Harp
Why Do Agents Want You to Go to the Bank First?
The reason for an agent telling you to get pre-qualified is so that we can see what you can afford, see what the credit report says, and it saves everyone time. You'd be surprised how many of my clients are surprised when the credit report comes back with problems on them. The quicker we do this, the quicker we can address the problems on the credit report. Another reason for being pre-qualified is so we don't waste time by looking at homes you can't afford. If you "want" a $150,000 home, but can't afford it, then we don't need to look at that. If you can't afford that size home, do you want to still purchase a home or wait for your financial situation to change? Getting prequalifed can answer many questions for you and your Realtor.
What is a Buyer Agency Agreement? Do I have to do this?
This is an agreement between the buyer and the Realtor stating that the Realtor will represent the Buyer's interests in the purchase of your new home. The listing agreement for Sellers says the Seller is represented by the listing agent and agrees to pay, for example, 6%+ commission (3% for the listing agent and 3% for the buyer's agent).
Therefore, the seller or builder are the ones who are typically responsible for the commission being paid to the buyer's agent and seller's agent. It's a win win situation for the buyer.
As your Buyer's Agent, we can represent you exclusively as the buyer. We can then help you compare all available properties everyday, both new and resale, and help you decide what price you should paym through a CMA, for the property. As a rule, our policy is to have The Buyer Agency Agreement filled out before any of our Team shows a Buyer a home. We are "true" buyer agents exclusively for YOU, thats what we do!
What is a Home Service Plan and why do I need it?
The home service plan is a one year warranty that you can purchase on the new home to warranty certain problems that may arise. I do recommend that everyone purchase the warranty, which on average runs about $395. Some Warranty Companies require that you get your home inspected by a certified inspector first to see the condition of everything on the home.
As a Seller, this will allow you make repairs you need to make on the property before it scares off a Buyer and kills a contract. Knowledge is power when you know the exact condition of your property. It will save you money if you address the issues on the Inspection before the buyer offers a contract.
As a Buyer, this will allow you to make sure all of your major components are in working order before you purchase the home. If a major component of your home, such as the A/C unit, has a problem, the warranty covers certain things (refer to "each" Warranty policy for specific details). We have had buyers move into a home and have the A/C unit die after only one month of being in the home.
I'm a First Time Buyer; how do I get Started?
The first thing you should do is call our Team to get a First Time Buyer's Kit. The Kit will take some of the confusion out of this. Then make an appointment with our Team and we will sit down with you and explain everything from the loan process to the closing of your home.
After choosing your Excusive Buyer Specialist, get prequalified with a mortgage company. I recommend Bill Smith with Wells Fargo or Lendra Lee with Capital One to name a few. Then look at homes with your Realtor in the Prairieville, Gonzales, Baton Rouge, Louisiana areas. If you ride around by yourself to see open houses, tell Owners and Agents that you have a Realtor. Don't ever discuss your motivations and finances with other Agents and Owners. The other Agents that you will encounter are representing the Seller's interest, NOT yours. If you let them know you've got extra money, can do this or that, and then WE go in to do a contract on the home, you have lost some of your negotiating power by letting the Seller's Agent know that you will get this home no matter what.
The Listing Agent Wouldn't Show Me The House....
I called on a house I was interested in and the agent wouldn't show me the home, why?
I can't think of a reason why a listing agent wouldn't show you the home unless you weren't prequalified. As a rule, we don't set appointments for a seller's home, ask them to pack up their children, and leave their homes for a few hours for an unqualified Buyer.
Another thing that happens is a Buyer calls and wants our Team to show them a home and they have too much information...usually indicating that the Buyer has an agent they are already working with. If we suspect that you are working with an agent or worse 4 agents, we can't afford to do your agents job for her. Our services are a given to any "Seller or Buyer Client" who is loyal and committed to our Team. Just as you have to work for "Employers" who are loyal, dedicated, and committed to paying you every week, we too have to be compensated for our services, hard work and umm¡Kgas is $3.00 a gallon now! :)
Help! I'm in a Builder's Contract and....
Help, I'm in a Builder's Contract and the Builder isn't doing what he said he would do, what do I do?
If sitting down with you Builder isn't working, then perhaps you should contact your attorney to advise you.
I get calls like this all the time AFTER the contract is done with a Builder, For Sale By Owner, and other contracts for lease or purchase. There is nothing that I can do for a Buyer at this point. BEFORE you get into ANY contract it is in your best interests to hire a Realtor or an Attorney to protect YOUR interests in the transaction.
What does a Buyer's Agent Do For Me?
A Buyers Agent uses her time and expertise to search all available properties for sale everyday. You should not have to be out their by yourself as a buyer looking for homes and doing the Realtors job! They also make appointments to show them to you, finds out all pertientnt information regarding comparables to help you make an offer, negotiates the offer, completes all contracts and legal paperwork, and then follows up, tracks the file from inspections to appraisals, to lenders; from pending to closing, to moving day.
How do I hire a buyers agent?
Call (225) 744-HARP (4277) or (225) 953-3901 or Email Regina@ReginaHarp.com and ask one of our Buyer Specialist to assist you! We can help you find the right house, for the best price, in the shortest length of time, and with the fewest hassles.
When you work with a Buyers Specialist from Regina Harp & Team, you have the support of an entire team of professionals!
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
