I take the buying process as seriously as my buyers do, therefore I offer nothing but the highest quality of service. Buying your home is one of the most important purchases you will make, so make sure you have the right buyers agent who can provide you with the experience and the service you deserve. As your buyers agent, our services never cost you anything. As a buyer, you receive the benefit and the seller pays the commission.

I will always do my best to ensure you get the most home for your money. I have complete market knowledge of the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas, and can discuss all of the strengths and weaknesses of each home, including school and neighborhood information plus future resale potential.

Are you looking for new construction? Shelly Thompson can represent you with the purchase of a new home. As your buyer's agent, I will represent you throughout the construction process. Don't be misled by an on-site agent. They are only there to represent the builder.

The following are a few good reasons to work with a buyers agent when purchasing new construction:

• On-site agent represents only the builder's interests - It is always better to have your own agent in a meeting with the builder's agent. I will make sure that your interests are represented.
• On-site agent is told not negotiate - In new home sales, the price is often fixed and the builder hires on-site representatives to "close" without negotiating. It's simply their job! A third, objective, party can almost always get a deal better than list price.
• You will not have any means to comparison shop - The on-site agent cannot investigate other communities that may better suit your needs- they would be fired on the spot. I will make sure you are informed of the other new community options out there.
• You might not be told of information that may affect the future value of the home - What if there is an amusement park or a concert venue going in next door? What if the homeowner's dues don't cover the exterior maintenance...or only part of it? I will thoroughly investigate these issues and make sure you know about them...before...not after you've signed on the dotted line.
• You will likely be required to use the builder’s attorney. While this is an acceptable practice, you will want a professional on your side to be sure that the contract is being interpreted fairly and accurately. I will help you sort out the complex details of the deal, including the division of closing costs.
• You will pay the same price whether you have a buyer's agent or not - The discount you may be seeking by directly talking to the builder's agent doesn't really exist. Whether you have an agent or not, your price will be the same. Our fee will be paid by the builder. If someone else would pick up the tab, you would have a professional do your taxes, right? Why not let the builder pick up the tab for a professional Realtor to represent your interests in purchasing a new home?
• You may be led to think that you have no choice in lenders - Selling companies often put together "package deals" with their own lenders. Some of these plans are great, while others have hidden costs. I will always be able to explain your choices and alternatives to the builder's plans.
• You may be encouraged to make custom selections - You may end up with some very wonderful upgrades, but maybe you really don't need gold-plated fixtures. I'll help you stick to your plans and chose the options that will make you happy and help you sell your home when the time comes.
• Guidance on choices that will greatly enhance your resale value - Should you buy a ranch, 2 or 3-story home? Should you pay a premium price for an end unit - and how much of a premium? Is it worth the cost for a champagne bath or a kitchen island? I will help you make the decisions that will greatly help the value of your home when it's time to sell.
• Insider knowledge of community, builder and neighborhood features - I have the experience and industry knowledge to give you the absolute best advice on location, builder reputation, HOA dues, competition, options, community benefits/drawbacks, industry perceptions and so, so much more!

There are so many new communities popping-up in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Durham & Chapel Hill area, you should have your own representation. Going to the site without a licensed Real Estate professional, working just for you, could be a costly decision. For example: How does this potential new home compare to other available new communities? Will they negotiate? If so, by how much? What about extras? What should you chose for good resale and what's over-kill? Is the builder doing a good job? Because a home is "new" people often assume that this means "perfect" and it can be quite the opposite and anyone in Real Estate has seen this many times. It's not always deliberate that important items are over-looked but simply a mistake...it still needs to be found and fixed! I will bring my negotiating skills to the table for you and whatever there is to get, I'll get it.

As a first time home buyer there are several things you should be aware of in the home buying process. I have gathered information here to help you. Should you have any questions, I look forward to working with you on this most exciting purchase.

I look forward to getting to know you and helping you on your quest to find the perfect property. I can show you any property, new or re-sale, regardless of the listing broker.

I will negotiate the absolute best price for you after carefully analyzing the selling price of comparable homes in the area. I will thoroughly explain all the paperwork involved in your transaction. I will search out the best home for you and fiercely protect your interest during negotiations. My goal is to make you so happy during this process and with your new home that you will send all your friends, family, and colleagues to me when they need real estate services.

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission requires that all agents share the brochure, Working with Real Estate Agents (PDF format), with all potential clients. It does a good job of explaining how agency works in North Carolina. It also explains the role of the Buyer's Agent and how I will represent you and your interests in a real estate transaction.

visit the North Carolina Real Estate Commission [ web site ]

Before you begin looking for property, you will want to know how much you are able and willing to borrow. Many sellers require a pre-qualification letter with your offer to purchase and your position as a buyer will be strengthened. You will have a basis to compare different loans. Finding the best loan could result in tremendous savings. You must keep in mind, however, that you are not at this point qualified for the loan. Make sure that you have been absolutely thorough in providing information to your lender to avoid problems obtaining the loan later.

I will be happy to assist you in finding the right lender for your home purchase. [ Contact me today ]

I work personally with each and every one of our clients to help them find the perfect property to meet their particular needs. I will carefully evaluate each property you consider for purchase. RDU flight paths, future road and highway construction, planned mass transit projects, neighborhood appreciation rates, assigned schools, HOA rules and regulations, are some of the items I will investigate. I will determine the proper market value range for each home, or you may have the home appraised, before you make your offer to purchase.

With a little input from you, I can have homes that meet your criteria emailed to you automatically. Fill out our home search form and I'll get started right away. [ home search request ] Or you can search through MLS listing from agents all across the area. [ search MLS listings here ]

I will work with you to structure an offer with your best interest in mind - affording maximum protection to you as the buyer. Generally you will submit an earnest money check (or binder) with your offer. The seller may (1) accept your offer, (2) reject your offer, or (3) make a counter-offer. When the offer or counter-offer is accepted in writing, you have a binding contract for sale. Your earnest money will be deposited in the listing broker's trust account, held until closing, and applied to the agreed sales price.

Once you have a contract for sale, get the property inspected by a professional. The seller may have to make repairs, you may re-negotiate your purchase price, or you may want to walk away from the deal entirely based on the inspection report. Also, most lenders will require that I have the home inspected for wood destroying insects. See the brochure, Questions & Answers on Home Inspections (PDF format).

This will be handled by you and your lender. It is inappropriate for us to become involved with the details of your personal finances. Your lender will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate Disclosure document containing an estimate of closing service charges you will pay.

I will schedule the closing with your attorney. I will communicate with your attorney and your lender during the time proceeding your closing to ensure that the process moves forward in a timely manner and that all requirements are fulfilled.

If you need help finding a moving company, I will help you.

Defined as the consummation or completion of a transaction involving the sale or exchange or real estate. The closing may be accomplished either at a closing meeting attended by the various parties (or their agents) or by way of an escrow closing. Your lender will prepare you to bring the appropriate closing costs with you, usually in the form of a certified check. After closing, the attorney will record your deed at the courthouse.