Valerie Todd, Realtor -Abbitt Realty Co

For Sellers, the seller is responsible for 6%-10% depending upon the property type being listed. The expense is divided 50/50 with the buyers brokerage and seller brokerage. For most residential resales it is 6% of the selling price divided equally between the buyer brokerage and sellers brokerage. That's the cost of marketing your home for sale. For Buyers - typically the seller pays the total cost to sell. However, if the listing firm accepts less than the standard for the buyers brokerage firms minimum based on type of product. For example, if the seller of a single family home listed the home for 5% with the listing agency getting 3% and the buyers agency getting 2%, then and only then the buyer may be responsible for the difference in expense. In this case with Abbitt, the seller may be responsible for 1% of the selling price at closing. This rarely happens. In most cases the buyers do not have to pay for my services.

With buyers, I like to have a formal discussion to discover what they are looking for as far as location, size and type of home. I also advise my clients regarding lending options that may be available to them and review the overall process of buyer. The first step is to get pre-qualified to buy. Home owners/sellers don't want window shoppers - that can be done online. They want qualified buyers, so if a buyer hasn't contacted a lender I would suggest they do so first before showing any homes. Once we know what budget we have to work with then it makes the home search more productive to enable that buyer to purchase. I help my customers to determine their needs verses wants. We get in depth as to what neighborhoods they would like to live in, school systems and current market conditions and values of houses we are looking at. With Sellers, our initial meeting we discuss the homes estimated value in "as is" condition. Then we conduct a walk through and I make suggestions and recommendations to improve the presentation of their property. For example, a seller needs to declutter all horizontal surfaces. Declutter throughout the home. Organize closets if needed and remove excessive personal photos and collections. The goal is to have the potential buyer envision their belongings in your home. It all starts on the street. Create the best curb appeal as possible and carry it though out the whole house. We discuss in depth, pricing strategies, best and worst scenarios, and time line expectations. My goal for sellers is to get the best and highest price for them.

I am licensed in Virginia. I also have my SRES certification which is the Senior Real Estate Specialist designation, MRP designation - Military Relocation Professional and ABR designation or Accredited Buyers Representative. Continuing education is very important to me and Real Estate Law changes frequently. In 2021 I will prepare to obtain a Brokers License. My motto: A day is never wasted if you learn something new!

I have been serving customers in Hampton Roads for over 30 Years. Customer service has been my primary focus from day one in my career. I love serving my clients to realize their real estate dreams. It has peaks and valley's like any profession. However, it is so rewarding to be able to help others get into their dream home or to sell their home. It's all about Life's transitions! No two transactions are a like. And I learn something new with every transaction.

Seller and Buyers. First time buyers, Active and Retired Armed Service Members, Investors, Seniors that are looking to "Right Size", 2nd home buyers, Flippers and many more.

Recently I had a client who was living in a hotel. The company he worked for would pay for the hotel for only 30 days. With my help, we were able to get him prequalified and under contract to buy in 2 days and he closed 3 weeks later. All this in a Sellers Market where houses go under contract in hours not days. He was able to move in and start his new job without cost out of pocket hotel expenses.

Make sure you hire a professional that is looking out for you. Be aware of buying from an agent who holds the listing. That person represents the seller and must advise you so. Never use the same agent for both sides of the transaction. It's like if you had a law suite against someone. Would you use their attorney? No, of course not. Real Estate Sales are a LEGAL transaction. Make sure you know what your rights are and who is watching out for your interests.

Buyers should really look into getting pre-approved with a lender. Most people wait and then they find that perfect fit, but don't qualify. Get pre-approved. I work with several lenders and can recommend someone to talk with. Oh by the way, they can help you get your credit scores improved too! So planning a year out is ok. At least you would have a game plan and will be prepared to buy.