Your guide to
Home Ownership
For the first time
Opening the door to your path forward
Dear
FUTURE HOMEOWNER
Sincerely,
Cody Bratton
- you're in great hands -
Meet
Cody Bratton
Professional Bio:
Cody’s reputation for excellent communication & skillful negotiation blends well with his sharp eye for detail & deep market expertise, making him indispensable to anyone looking for an ideal combination of personalized service & expert value in their home search.
With a genuine focus on serving others with integrity & dedication, Cody is personally committed to going above & beyond, and to exceed every expectation.
Proven Track Record
Service
Treating people with genuine care & respect, focusing on giving value not driving profit, making positive impacts in people's lives, and building meaningful & lasting bonds.
Knowledge
Pursuing excellence in our practice & expertise as brokers, navigating the process with confidence & skill, patiently advising & guiding with diligence.
Integrity
Being ethical in all we do, communicating with honesty, transparency, & expedience, staying true to our fiduciary duties, and being attentive to all contract details/timelines.
★
Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with my past clients.
Raving Reviews
Cody Bratton was very professional and always ready to assist with any issues. He is the best realtor we've ever worked with even after buying and selling 6 homes through the years. He takes the time to explain everything and never pressured us. He put our needs first and went above & beyond to help us get our new home. Highly recommended for anyone needing a top-notch realtor.
Best Realtor ever! Even though buying a home can be stressful, Cody made everything run smoothly. He was extremely patient and went above and beyond any other Realtor I've worked with. It's not just about a sale or commission for him, he truly takes pride in serving his Clients. Highly recommended for reliable and trustworthy service!
Cody is very knowledgeable with a great team behind him, and was very helpful with buying my house. He is attentive and really knows the process. I would highly recommend Cody help you with buying your house!
Cody did a great job in understanding what my vision was for a forever home. Honest, trustworthy and always quick to communicate when needed. Cody is my broker for future investment properties.
'Cody provided excellent service, being knowledgeable, understanding, and patient. He is a great listener and sought answers when needed, delivering above-and-beyond service.'
Cody is professional, ethical, and gets results. Thank you Cody!
Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.
Review has been shortened using AI.
Loyalty
This detailed presentation that I’ve shared with you is an example of the care and effort we put into each client. We recognize that this purchase may be one of the largest financial transactions of your life, and that it deserves careful consideration. Our team feels strongly that open communication & mutual understanding are key components to achieving success in this process, and are always available for any questions or needs you may have.
Our commitment to you as our valued client is loyalty to you & your goals above all else.
Your returned loyalty in assisting our efforts as your dedicated Realtor would mean the world to us!
BUYER ROADMAP
An Early look at the process
+ Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the first step - Where should I start?
- Contact Realtor Cody Bratton (575)-937-7655 to schedule a no obligation Home Buying Strategy Session.
- To prepare for the meeting consider what features are most important to you, such as: location, square footage, # bedrooms/bathrooms, amenities (ie. refrigerated air, side yard access), HOA or no HOA, school district, etc.
- To prepare for the meeting consider your finances such as: credit scores, monthly income/debts, employment history (# years), total funds available (if any) for down payment/closing costs, & your monthly mortgage budget.
- Write down any specific questions or special requests so we can cover everything and give you a full understanding of the process with a confident path forward.
Are there any assistance programs available to help me get into a home?
- Right now there are a handful of first time homebuyer assistance programs available that can either assist with, or completely cover down payment funds, closing costs, and/or give very competitive interest rates.
- We partner with local lenders who actually have the technical expertise to service these types of specialty loans, removing all the guess work and putting you in the best possible hands from the start.
Should I wait for interest rates or prices to drop before getting started?
- We believe affordability should be the primary concern and that basing significant decisions on unpredictable factors often backfires resulting in longer timelines, and fewer options at higher prices.
- It's always possible to refinance and get a lower payment/better interest rate down the line, and if home values continue to increase as expected it will be tougher to get a more reasonable price in the future if you wait.
- Rent payments always increase over time and are technically 100% interest, while Mortgage payments never increase over time and give you an equity return with each payment.
What other benefits will I get with you as my Realtor?
- No upfront fees or costs for our services - even at closing! Our reward is seeing you become a homeowner, and our pay will be negotiated from the seller.
- Free home warranty (1 Year) - covers potential repairs on a variety of structural & mechanical features in the home and allows you to use a preferred contractor, all with only a $100 deductible!
- Free moving truck (if needed) - use our box truck to help you get settled into your new home at no cost.
- An unbelievably strong & dynamic support team that can provide solutions to any obstacle in the process.
BUYER ROADMAP
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.
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.
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.
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.
5
Under Contract or Escrow
With your offer accepted, we enter a 30-day Escrow period. This involves a neutral third party company that holds funds while conducting a thorough underwriting process to ensure all aspects of the contract are upheld properly
6
Inspections
Now that you've found your home we need to order the inspection. The inspection will let you know what repairs are needed, some are minor and some may be safety issues. Don't worry, you are still protected.
7
Appraisal
The appraisal is ordered by your lender to protect their investment. They have their own checklist of things they look at for the final approval to move forward. The appraiser can demand repairs completed by the seller before they will give their approval.
8
Closing
Congratulations! You now own a home and can get moved in. It's time to celebrate and have your housewarming and show off your home. We will be standing by to answer any questions you may have about home-ownership and have a list of contractors if the need arises.
Let's Chat.
I'm sure you have questions and thoughts about the real estate process. I'd love to talk with you more about next steps from what you've read here and help you on the path to buying your new home.
We look forward to working with you!
We look forward to working with you!
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!
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.
Starting August 17th, 2024
There is a new requirement nationally for all brokerages & realtors to complete a written agreement with potential buyers before showing homes and preparing contract paperwork.
By Signing the Agreement to Partner with Us
All of our Team’s local market expertise, negotiation skills, & industry resources will be at your fingertips, and we’ll be able to view any property at any time! Just contact us to schedule.
Proven Track Record of Dedication
We provide flexible terms that reduce your costs & give you an advantage in negotiations because we are determined to be the BEST asset in your real estate endeavors.
Dear
Sincerely,
- you're in great hands -
Meet
Proven Track Record
Service
Provide great customer service by building bonds with clients that lead tolong-term relationships where we truly care about their needs.
Knowledge
By pursuing excellence in our expertise as agents we can better service our clients and lead them to home ownership in a smooth and easy process.
Integrity
Be ethical in all you do and communicate with honesty while paying attention to the details of each and every client, agent, and 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
5
Under Contract or Escrow
With your offer accepted, we enter a 30-day Escrow period. This involves a neutral third party company that holds funds while conducting a thorough underwriting process to ensure all aspects of the contract are upheld properly
6
Appraisal
The appraisal is ordered by your lender to protect their investment. They have their own checklist of things they look at for the final approval to move forward. The appraiser can demand repairs completed by the seller before they will give their approval.
7
Inspections
Now that you've found your home we need to order the inspection. The inspection will let you know what repairs are needed, some are minor and some may be safety issues. Don't worry, you are still protected.
8
Closing
Congratulations! You now own a home and can get moved in. It's time to celebrate and have your housewarming and show off your home. We will be standing by to answer any questions you may have about home-ownership and have a list of contractors if the need arises.
Unique Value I Provide My Clients
★
Customized listing search to find the perfect home.
★
Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly
Professional Network
★
Market insights as a result of my recent sales in your 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!
Price Range
Beds & Baths
Property Types
★
Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with my past clients.
Raving Reviews
Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.
Review has been shortened using AI.
Loyalty
This custom presentation that I’ve shared with you 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. In light of this, I feel strongly that mutual respect and understanding are key components of me helping you accomplish your real estate goals.
Reviewing each others 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.
Reviewing each others 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.
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
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 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 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 the buyer in being the successful offer
Buyer Specialist
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.
I look forward to working with you.
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!
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.
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 agent in the U.S. to visit a property.
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.
With a proven track record
We have the knowledge and experience to be the BEST asset in your real estate endeavors.
