A CMA is a written report of what we think a home is worth. It is a compilation of recent sales of similar style homes in as close proximity as possible to the home you are considering purchasing. The CMA allows you to buy a home based on information, not emotion. Some examples of the CMA in action are:

The asking price may be irrelevant and is one of the reasons the CMA is a valuable tool. The CMA research allows you to make an informed choice based on market data - information, not emotion.

What about other companies, don't their agents see homes first?

No. Traditional agents will tell you that, but listings must be entered in the MLS within 24-48 hours of the listing contract. I think traditional agents tell you that to create a sense of panic.

Good listing agents want to expose the seller's home to as many buyers as possible to generate the best sale price. Marginal agents will "pocket a listing" which is an industry term for not exposing the listing to the market place. Any knowledgeable seller and reputable listing agent would want exposure on the marketplace.

Where is your office?

Wherever my computer is located. Many years ago, where your office was located dictated where you worked. We are an information service based real estate company that works in the 4-county area - Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. I've actually represented buyers in Sanibel, Florida and Vail, Colorado. Office location is no longer relevant. Research, service, information, and anticipating client needs are what matter... not a company address.

How come there are so few exclusive buyer agents?

Most companies were established years ago before the question of who an agent worked for was an issue. These companies find it hard to change and consequently they have not. Most old line companies now offer buyer agency (not exclusive buyer agency) but continue to derive 90% of their profits from the sale of real estate. So, while you can find a buyer agent at any real estate company, you have to then believe that the agent will work against his/her company's primary focus, which is to sell homes. I have a hard time believing that.

As to why Homebuyer Associates is the only Exclusive Buyer Agent in Southeastern Wisconsin...I guess we believe in a certain real estate work ethic and level of service that makes our EBA approach one we are proud of and comfortable with.

Will we see all the homes on market?

You will see all of the homes on market which meet your spacial, locational, style and financial wants and needs. You may even see some homes that aren't on the market. Typically we meet with you for 30-45 minutes to answer your questions and discuss your wants and needs in a home. From that we are able to provide some insight into the real estate market and develop a plan to find your home.

Homebuyer Associates is a member of the MLS which is a listing of all homes on market by Realtors in a four county area. It will benefit you to use Homebuyer Associates because we will look at any home on market whether listed by a Realtor or a For Sale by Owner.

By the way, some agents make more money if they sell their own company listings which could cause one to ask, will I see all the listings? At Homebuyer Associates we don't have that conflict of interest, so you will see all the homes on market.

Finally, if we can't locate your home by finding one on market, we will do mailings asking area homeowners if they plan to sell their home in the near future. Part of Homebuyer Associates' service oriented approach to homebuying.