A Quick & Important Overview on How We Tour Homes
I’m excited to help you explore homes here in West Michigan!
Before we schedule our first tour, I want to share an important update about how the real estate industry now operates. You may have heard about nationwide changes that took effect in August 2024, and my goal is to make sure you understand how these new rules benefit and protect you.
What Changed and Why?
Following a nationwide settlement by the National Association of REALTORS®, new rules were put in place to create more transparency for homebuyers like you.
The old way of doing things sometimes left buyers wondering who their agent was really working for—the buyer or the seller. To fix this, we are now required to have a written agreement in place before showing you a home.
This isn’t a rule we made up; it’s a new standard of practice across the entire industry designed for your protection.
What This New Rule Means for YOU
This change is 100% positive for you. Having a written agreement from the start provides you with:
- Total Clarity: You will know, in writing, that I am your dedicated agent and am legally and ethically required to represent your best interests, not the seller’s.
- Guaranteed Confidentiality: Your financial details and negotiation strategy are completely confidential. I can advise you without any conflict of interest.
- A Professional Commitment: It formalizes my commitment to provide you with my expertise, professional advice, and diligent search for your perfect home.
“I’m Not Ready to Commit to One Agent Yet.”
I completely understand! This is the most common concern we hear, and the new system is flexible for this very reason.
The agreement we sign does NOT have to be a long-term contract.
We can sign an agreement that covers just a single day of touring, or even just one specific property. This allows you to get a feel for how we work together without any lengthy commitment. Think of it as a “day pass” that ensures you are protected and professionally represented while we look at homes.
What Are You Actually Signing?
The agreement is a simple document that clearly states:
- Who: The Glover Home Group is representing you.
- What: The services and professional duties we owe you.
- How Long: The term of the agreement (which can be as short as one day).
- Compensation: It explains how we get paid for our work, which is typically from the seller’s proceeds at closing. There is no upfront cost or fee for you to sign this agreement.
Our goal is simply to be your trusted guide through the Grand Rapids real estate market. These new rules help us do that better than ever by ensuring you get the transparent, dedicated representation you deserve right from the start.
Please let me know if you have any questions at all. I’m happy to walk you through the agreement over the phone before you sign anything.
Looking forward to getting started!