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Your Guide to

Home Ownership

Bethany Sammons presents to Dripping Springs 1M

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

Dripping Springs 1M

I understand that buying a home is more than just a transaction; it’s a dream for every family and a significant milestone. I am honored to be part of this exciting journey with you. My commitment is to guide, help, and support you throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. 

In the following presentation, I will cover everything you need to know, from the initial consultation to the moment you receive the keys to your new home. Also, I will educate you on the new rules of the National Association of Realtors that you need to know before scheduling a showing. My mission is to deliver world-class customer service and exceed your expectations every step of the way. 

Let’s get started turning your Hill Country Dreams into a Reality.

Sincerely,

Bethany Sammons

Texas Hill Country Realtor

Meet

Bethany Sammons

Realtor

Texas Hill Country 

512-746-7629

I am a native Texan and University of Texas at Austin alum. I am proud to call the Texas Hill Country my home. My knowledge and love for this region is evident in all that I do. My success as a real estate agent comes from developing relationships built on trust and integrity and always fighting for the best interest of my client. 


Real estate is much more than buying and selling houses, it is personal and life changing; I never lose sight of this. It is an honor to be a part of the journey with my clients.

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Proven Track Record

Excellence

- Ranked #4 in the U.S. from 2018 to 2023 by Real Trends.

- Closed over $10 billion in sales since 2014.

Best Service

- Helping an average of 125 families find a home each week.

- Assisted over 30,000 families since 2014.

Reputation

- Over 740 agents across Florida, Georgia, Texas, Colorado, and Idaho.

- Top partners with Zillow and Realtor.com.

Market data as of:
The Market Action Index (MAI) is a literal temperature gauge that shows whether the market favors buyers or sellers.
An MAI of 30 is typically balanced; over 30 is a seller's market, under 30 is a buyer's market.

Buyer markets

Buyers get better deals and more choices when MAI is low.

Seller markets

Sellers can list for higher prices and quicker sales when MAI is high
Market data as of:

View current market trends

Scan the QR code to see the current Market Trends report

Processes

1

Consultation

Together, we will discuss your needs, wants, and goals and offer my expertise and strategies to bring your vision to life.
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2

Property Tours

Once you’ve selected the homes to tour, we start shopping! This is when we search for your dream home, including the amenities and lifestyle you are looking for. Our commitment is to not stop until we find the right home for you. 
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3

Preapproval

We will connect you with reputable lenders for preapproval, vet all home options, including exclusive and off-market, and determine the best options for you to continue touring and making an offer on.
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4

Write offer

Once we find the right home for you, we'll submit a strategic offer and negotiate the best possible terms and price based on your financial and lifestyle situation.
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5

Under Contract

With your offer accepted, we will work diligently with you to ensure all the deadlines are met to secure a smooth and timely closing. 
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6

Inspections

We recommend that an inspection be completed at this time. It will address any needed repairs, from minor to safety issues. 
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7

Appraisal

If you are financing, the lender will order an appraisal, or this is your time to obtain one if one is not required by a lender.
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8

Closing

Congratulations! You now receive the keys to your new home and can begin moving in. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of this journey!
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Unique Value I Provide My Clients

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Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly


Happy to share my personal network of industry professionals with you to help assist in every step of the home buying process

Lenders
Home Inspectors
Professional Services
Tittle Companies 

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Market insights as a result of my recent sales in your area

Active listings in the Dripping Springs, TX area!

My sales activity in your desired search area will directly benefit you due to my market knowledge, negotiating prowess, and insights into local activity!
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Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with our past clients.

Raving Reviews

They sent me listings on a daily basis of what I was looking for.  Extremely helpful with inspections and what needed attention when I was out of state. I would recommend Robert Slack Realtors to anyone looking for a home. They are the absolute best in the field! - Cheryl
Amazing to work with. My realtor was kind, professional, patient, and thorough. Gave great advice and was very prompt at anything they said they were going to do. Kept us updated every step of the way. They are first class!!!! - John
We were very pleased with our realtor at Robert Slack. Was very knowledgeable and helpful in every aspect of our home-buying experience and was always available for questions and kept us informed every step of the way. We will definitely call if we need a realtor again and will refer them to anyone we know looking for a realtor. - Liz
Our agent exceeded our expectation, treated us like a family member working elbow to elbow in all transactions needed to get our second home. They are very professional, punctual and very communicative, definitely recommended. Will keep working with them for more properties. -Ana

Loyalty

This custom presentation is an example of the care and effort I put into each client. I recognize that this purchase is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, and it deserves careful consideration and wise planning. I feel strongly that mutual respect and understanding are key components of helping you accomplish your real estate goals.

Reviewing each other's roles and responsibilities as we embark on the next steps of your home-buying journey is how we can decide if we are ready to be loyal to one another.

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Starting August 17th, 2024

It is required to complete and sign a written agreement before showing a home. This applies to buyers requiring the services of any licensed REALTOR in the U.S. to visit a property.
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By Signing the Agreement to Partner with an Agent

Our agent is dedicated to you and committed to finding a home that meets your needs.
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With a proven track record

We have the knowledge and experience to be the BEST asset in your real estate endeavors.

Signing a Buyers Broker Agreement (BBA)

  • This is an agreement to engage with a professional real estate agent to consult, show homes, negotiate contracts, and advocate.
  • It will establish the length of the agreement
  • It shows the agent/broker's services and responsibilities
  • It explains the agreement's exclusivity between Broker and client, what fees are owed for services rendered, and how to terminate the agreement. It mentions additional fees if the buyer signs with more than one agent.
  • It provides a clear explanation of the various ways an agent can be compensated for their services to the Buyer.
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105 More Ways

Agents Who Are Realtors® Are Worth Every Penny Of Their Compensation.

Here’s a look at all the things – big and small – that a REALTOR® may do to help clients when buying a home.

Counseling Session Activities

  • Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
  • Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consentto represent, if needed
  • Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS®Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies

Building a Relationship

  • Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
  • Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
  • Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
  • Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
  • Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
  • Provide quality lender resources
  • Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
  • Match the buyer’s needs with available property
  • Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs
  • After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done,and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement
  • Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer’s optionsare for paying it

Educating the Buyer

  • Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS®Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
  • Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
  • Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures
  • Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential
  • Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
  • In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offenderregistry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
  • Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more aboutprospective neighborhoods
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REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

Preparing the Buyer

  • Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
  • Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
  • Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currentlyreceiving
  • Inform the buyer on what home features are popular
  • Identify current average days on market
  • Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values
  • Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process
  • Indicate current listing months of market inventory
  • Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
  • Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
  • Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
  • Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
  • Prepare lender for listing agent calls
  • Assist in comparing different financing options
  • Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs
  • Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer’s must-haves
  • Caution the buyer on posting information to social media
  • Review the sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer

Showing Properties

  • Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as theybecome available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their localMLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on somewebsites
  • Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about throughtheir sphere contacts
  • Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see
  • Preview properties prior to showing if needed
  • Network with other agents to source properties not yet in their local MLSbroker marketplaces
  • Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
  • Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS brokermarketplaces that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements
  • Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
  • Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services,schools, etc.
  • Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value
  • Check applicable zoning and building restrictions
  • Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information
  • Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
  • Compare each property shown to the buyer’s wants and needs list and remindthem of what they were looking for
  • Help the buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices

Negotiating Offers

  • Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
  • Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to makingan offer
  • Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer
  • Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace
  • Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the purchase offer
  • Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally-required disclosure forms
  • Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer
  • Help create a negotiating strategy
  • Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
  • Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiation strategies
  • Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted
  • Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them
  • Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available
  • Discuss financing alternatives
  • Negotiate the buyer’s offers to arrive at the best price and terms
  • Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist thebuyer in being the successful offer

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 1/2)

  • Advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process
  • Encourage the buyer to fully investigate their options in terms of a home inspector, title company, appraiser, mortgage lender, and other services
  • Present a list of the types of required and optional inspections such as environmental, roofing, and mold
  • Review and discuss home inspection concerns
  • Negotiate repair requests from home inspection
  • Guide the buyer on meeting all contract deadlines
  • Assist in coordinating communications
  • Advise the buyer to review the settlement statement
  • Inform clients that they need to transfer utilities to the new residence
  • Schedule final walkthrough
  • Accompany the buyer on the walkthrough
  • Assist the buyer in questioning the appraisal report if it affects the financing
  • Confirm clear-to-close with the lender
  • Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
  • Remind the buyer of the location where the closing will be held
  • Confirm the closing date and time, and notify parties if there are changes
  • Gather all required forms and documents for closing
  • Explain flood insurance to the buyer
  • Explain title insurance to the buyer and refer to qualified insurance broker
  • Order any surveys needed

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 2/2)

  • Order the appraisal
  • Order the title search
  • Confirm the status of the loan funding
  • Check addendums and alterations for agreed terms
  • Review the buyer’s closing statement to ensure accuracy
  • Explain wire fraud risks and remind clients to verify all wiring instructionsbefore transferring funds
  • Double-check all tax, homeowners’ association dues, utility, and applicable prorations, if relevant
  • Request final closing figures from the closing agent (often an attorney ortitle company)
  • Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy
  • Receive and carefully review title insurance commitment with the buyer
  • Advise the buyer to re-key their locks and to consider a one-time cleaningservice or landscaping before moving day
  • Review documents with the closing agent (attorney)
  • Support the buyer in any final closing activities
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Actual services provided will depend on the needs of the buyer and the transaction –not all 105 things will need to be done in every transaction.

Featured content from the Center for REALTOR® Development’s Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course. Visit crd.realtor to learn more.

Let's Chat.

I'm sure you have questions and thoughts about the real estate process. I'd love to talk with you about what you've read here and help you on the path to buying your new home.

I look forward to working with you.
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www.bethanysammons.robertslacktexas.com
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Thank you!

In everything we do, we are driven to help others, because behind every transaction there is a vision, a goal, a dream waiting to come to life. In doing so, we bring our expertise, our instincts from years of experience, and our complete dedication to you.

This is only the beginning of an exciting journey to a bright and shining new future. And it's only the beginning of our commitment to servicing your every real estate need. Thank you for the opportunity to help you find your perfect home!
We'll be right there with you, every step of the way.