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Your Guide to

Home Ownership

MASTER Buyer Presentation - Duplicate Me

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

Client Name

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and I don't take it lightly. My job is to make sure you understand every step before it happens, so there are no surprises between our first conversation and the day you get your keys. This presentation walks through how I work, what the market looks like right now, and what to expect from consultation to closing. Read it at your own pace, and call or text me with any questions.
Sincerely,

John Rea

- you're in great hands -

Meet

John Rea

Broker Associate
Cell/Text: (601) 565-4764 · Office: (601) 853-0414

John Rea is a Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gateway Real Estate, serving Madison, Rankin and Hinds Counties. Licensed since 2016, he has closed 85 residential, land and new construction transactions, 11 of them in the last 12 months. He is ranked 370 of more than 4,000 REALTORS® in the Central Mississippi MLS and has earned the BHHS Leading Edge and Honor Society Awards in four of the last five years.

Before real estate, John owned and operated wholesale auto auctions and served as President of the National Auto Auction Association in 2007–2008. That background in negotiation shapes how he works today: methodically, making sure you understand every step before it happens.

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Proven Track Record

Service

I answer my phone, return calls the same day, and keep you updated without you having to chase me. Many of my clients come back years later or send me their family and friends.

Knowledge

I know the Madison, Rankin and Hinds County markets street by street, and I bring real numbers, not guesses, to every decision you make.

Integrity

I'll tell you what I'd do in your shoes, even when it isn't what you want to hear. Honest advice and close attention to detail on every transaction.
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

Unique Value I Provide My Clients

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Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly

Professional Network

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Sr. Loan Advisor

Lee Bounds

NMLS#: 98045

(601) 941-7784

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

Active listings in the Madison, MS 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 my past clients.

Raving Reviews

John is professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares for clients, guiding them smoothly through the challenging home buying or selling process. - Wilma Logan
[Read More]
After 25+ years, John Rea expertly guided me through buying my second home—patient, supportive, communicative from start to finish, and caring even post-closing. Truly grateful for his help.
[Read More]
After two years searching Madison, MS, John patiently helped us find our perfect home. Out-of-state, he videoed tours and stayed responsive. We love our new house—thanks, John! —Chuck and Lynn
[Read More]

Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.

Loyalty

This presentation is an example of the care I put into every client I work with. Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions of your life, and it deserves a real plan. Before we move forward, I want us both to be clear on what I'll do for you and what I'll need from you, so we can decide together that we're a good fit.

Processes

1

Consultation

We’ll sit down together and help you determine your needs wants and goals while offering my personal industry expertise and strategies for bringing your vision to life.
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2

Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved will help you know exactly what you can afford so you can confidently focus on the right homes. Plus, it shows sellers you’re serious, giving you an edge when making an offer.
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3

Property tours

After you have reviewed and selected which homes you want to tour, we get to go shopping! This is where you can start figuring out what you really want in your new home.
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4

Write offer

Once we find the home of your dreams, we'll submit an official offer - including but not limited to sale price, inspection contingencies, and closing costs. The seller then has time to accept, reject, or counter your offer.
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5

Under Contract

Once your offer is accepted, we're under contract. Your earnest money is deposited as the contract states, your lender starts the loan, and a Mississippi closing attorney begins the title work. Most closings take about 30 to 45 days, and I track every deadline for you.
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6

Inspections

Right after the contract is signed, we schedule your home inspection inside the inspection period in your contract. The report shows what needs attention, from minor items to safety issues, and I'll help you decide what to ask the seller to repair or credit. You're protected during this window.
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7

Appraisal

Your lender orders the appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you're paying. On FHA and VA loans, the appraiser may also require certain repairs before the loan can close. If the appraisal comes in low, we have options, and I'll walk you through them.
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8

Closing

Congratulations! You'll sign at the closing attorney's office, get your keys, and move in. I'm still here after closing for questions about your home, and I keep a list of trusted local contractors if you need one.
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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 consent to 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 options are 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-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
  • Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more about prospective 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 currently receiving
  • 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 they become available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their local MLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on some websites
  • Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about through their 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 MLS broker marketplaces
  • Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
  • Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS broker marketplaces 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
  • Collect and share any other vital information on available homes, remembering to follow all fair housing laws at all times
  • 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 remind them 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 making an 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 the buyer 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 compare options for home inspector, closing attorney, 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 owner's title insurance to the buyer
  • Confirm any needed survey has been ordered

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

  • Confirm the lender has ordered the appraisal
  • Confirm the closing attorney has started 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 instructions before transferring funds
  • Double-check all tax, homeowners’ association dues, utility, and applicable prorations, if relevant
  • Request final closing figures from the closing attorney
  • 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 cleaning service 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.
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Tour First, Sign When You Are Ready

Good news: in Mississippi, you can tour homes before signing anything. Think of our first showing as a test drive. We'll go look at a home together, you'll see how I work, and you can decide if I'm the right fit for you. When you're ready to keep shopping or make an offer, we'll sit down and sign a simple buyer agreement together (Mississippi law requires one before any offer is written). It spells out what I'll do for you, how I'm paid, and how either of us can end it, so we're both on the same page.
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When You Work With Me

I'm dedicated to you and committed to finding a home that fits your needs and your budget.
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With a proven track record

I bring the local knowledge and experience to protect your interests from the first showing to the closing table.

Signing a Buyers Broker Agreement or 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.

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 along this path.
www.gateway-realtors.com/team/john-rea
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Thank you!

Thank you for the chance to earn your business. Behind every home purchase is a goal, and my job is to help you reach yours with clear advice and no surprises.

This is the start of our work together, and my commitment doesn't end at closing. I'm here for every real estate need you have, now and down the road.
I'll be right there with you, every step of the way.