For Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers
For Sellers

For Buyers

Helping you purchase a house in Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Kensington, Oakland and Piedmont

What to expect as Buyers

I understand that purchasing a home is a major life decision and usually the largest financial investment one makes. It is also a very personal process and therefore essential that we feel comfortable with each other, that we like, respect and trust each other and that we can even have fun together during this process.

Prior to our first meeting, we will discuss your specific requirements on the phone, as they relate to the types of property and neighborhoods in which you are mostly interested. We will have a preliminary discussion about your current situation and any concerns you may have. Some of you may have very distinct ideas of what is of primary importance to you and some of you may not know until you have seen a number of homes. We will review your financial parameters and I will provide you with guidance in finding a financial institution and in sorting through the various financing options.
We will arrange an initial meeting, in which you should anticipate spending about an hour and a half to 2 hours. We will review your parameters, so that we can assess what kind of house you envisage yourself inhabiting and in which neighborhoods. We will discuss the home buying process and how I will guide you through the different aspects of the purchase, from the protective contingencies, customary practice and local regulations, to the inspection, title and home insurance. We will evaluate current market conditions, what your dollar will buy and how a real estate professional gets compensated.

We will discuss mutual expectations, fiduciary responsibilities, confidentiality and how long the process will take. Depending upon your specific requirements, it can take weeks, months or years. I will explain how a large part of my work is performed “behind the scenes”, previewing homes, researching comparable sales, evaluating changing legislation and networking with other agents. The home search is a process and will be educational for both of us. We will spend much time looking at properties together, where I will listen to your reactions and this helps me to identify what will appeal to you. At the conclusion of the meeting, it should be clear whether we are a good fit.

The buyer can generally expect to pay for:
  • Title insurance premiums
  • Escrow fee
  • Document preparation at title company
  • Notary fees

  • Recording charges for all documents in buyer’s name

  • Property tax proration as of C.O.E.

  • Half of the city transfer tax

  • Homeowners’ Association transfer fee

  • New loan charges

  • Interest on new loan

  • Inspection fees

  • Termite repairs (sometimes negotiable)

  • Home warranty (negotiable)

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For Sellers

Helping you sell your real estate in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito or Piedmont

I have found that generally when a Seller calls to interview me about selling their home, they have been thinking about it for quite some time; they have often looked at open houses in their neighborhood, or other neighborhoods and have perhaps thought about their next move.

Every house is unique and each seller has different requirements. Some houses may require much preparation before going onto the market while others may require none. Marketing to a particular segment of the population, such as with historic properties may be appropriate, while a more general marketing approach may suit other types of properties. I try to listen to Sellers with sensitivity and empathy and take my cues from them in terms of their time constraints and personal preferences.

The first step would be for us to meet at the house and gather information about each other. I cannot overemphasize how important it is for the Seller to like and trust their realtor, who will be their advocate, who will maximize one of their largest assets and with whom they will have an intense relationship over this short period. I will be happy to provide references of Sellers who have chosen me to represent them. My enthusiasm, patience, honesty, integrity, attention to detail, exceptionally strong aesthetic sense and professionalism are qualities I offer you. In addition, I have 22 years of experience, numerous resources to call upon and excellent communication skills. Respected and trusted amongst colleagues, I am known as a skilled negotiator and adept problem solver. I pride myself at being well organized and having excellent management skills, which help minimize unpleasant surprises, delays and future liability. We may talk about the estimated value of the house, its strengths, to whom it may appeal and how I would market it. With an in-depth knowledge of the East Bay market, I provide professional advice so that you can make informed decisions.

Once you have chosen to work with me, the next step as we continue the relationship, is to meet, review and sign the listing contract and all the Seller disclosures. I will provide guidance in all aspects of the selling process, which includes preparing your property for sale, recommending the appropriate contractors for the work and managing it in whichever way suits you. We will make sure that your property shines. My strategic marketing plan will be designed to feature the highlights of your home and its neighborhood and to encourage buyers to visit with their agent, at open houses or private showings.

If you are thinking of selling your home, please contact me at 510-703-6934 or norah@norahbrower.com.

If you want to view homes in Berkeley, Oakland, or in any of the surrounding cities, please visit myproperty search page!

The seller can generally expect to pay for:
  • Real estate commission

  • Document preparation fee for deed

  • County transfer tax and half of the city transfer tax

  • Loan reconveyance fees

  • Payoff of all loans in seller’s name

  • Termite inspection (termite repairs are negotiable)

  • Home warranty (negotiable)

  • Judgments, liens, etc. against the seller

  • Recording charges for all documents in seller’s name

  • Property tax proration as of C.O.E.

  • Delinquent property taxes
  • Unpaid Homeowners’ Association dues

  • Bonds or assessments

  • Notary fee

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