When making the decision to buy a home, it is important to take advantage of every tool available. With the internet at your fingertips, anyone these days can search for property. But searching for property is only a small piece of a successful real estate transaction. Real estate transactions can be complex and frustrating, but with the help of a strong, committed agent, you will have a much easier time finding the home of your dreams.
I know the Knoxville real estate market intimately as I’m in it every day, and I know I can help you find the property you desire. I’ll educate you, providing you with enough information to make clear, informed decisions. I can help as much as needed, but I’ll never pressure you, leaving the ultimate decisions up to you.
I have a team of professionals supporting you. My trusted partners include lenders, title companies, home inspectors, appraisers, and so forth, saving you the time it takes to go find them.
I can research your housing needs through many different avenues, even if you are relocating to or from another city. This way, I can show you only those homes that best suit to your needs, saving you time, money, and any added frustration or stress.
I’ll take into consideration such factors as size, features, location, style, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and so forth. I can suggest simple, imaginative changes, that make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value. When looking for a real estate professional, look for one who will watch out for you and negotiate an agreement that satisfies all parties.
The Importance of a Buyer’s Agent
A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent who works EXCLUSIVELY for you, to assist in researching and purchasing your new home. It’s the “buyer’s agent” that distinguishes the difference from the Seller’s agent (a.k.a. Listing agent) who is the legal representative of the seller. If you deal directly with a listing agent, you have nobody looking out for your best interests, as the listing agent is legally obligated to look out for the best interests of the seller, NOT YOU. If you choose to work with me as your buyer’s agent in Knoxville, you can expect to receive an ultra high level of representation and loyalty throughout your transaction.
Top Reasons to use a Buyer’s Agent
- Gain invaluable details about the properties you’re considering, title reports, permit info, previously sold data, and a comparative market analysis.
- Not a day goes by where I don’t have a buyer say to me, “That’s a great point, I’d never thought of that.”
- An Exclusive Buyer’s Agent can negotiate on your behalf. The Seller’s agent cannot.
- Discretion, confidentiality, loyalty, and obedience.
- We can help you find lender foreclosures, bank REOs, and other properties that may not be listed for sale on the market.
- Our services can save you thousands of dollars.
Advice from the Experts
“Look for an exclusive buyer’s agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.” — CNNMoney.com, “Money 101, Lesson 8, Buying a home”
“Many people don’t realize that, unless specifically stated otherwise, brokers are legal representatives of sellers. A buyer’s broker, representing only the buyer, may be able to secure a better price and better terms.” — Good Housekeeping
“If you ever doubted the value of a buyer’s agent who works solely for the buyers, consider this: A recent study by U.S. Sprint found that 232 relocating Sprint employees who hired buyer’s brokers paid an average of 91% of a home’s list price. People who did not use a buyers agent typically pay about 96%.” — Money Magazine, “House Hunting? Save By Hiring Your Own Agent”, By Carla A. Fried
How I’ll Help You Buy Your Dream Home
As your dedicated buyer’s agent, my goal is to guide you through every step of the home-buying process—from understanding your needs to handing you the keys to your new home. Here’s everything I’ll do to make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful:
Before We Start the Search
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Understand Your Needs and Budget
I’ll sit down with you to learn about your lifestyle, must-haves, deal-breakers, and financial goals to help us find the perfect home. -
Help You Get Pre-Approved (if financing is needed)
I’ll connect you with trusted lenders to get pre-approved for a mortgage, so we know exactly what you can afford. -
Teach You About the Market
I’ll provide you with insights about the local real estate market—pricing trends, neighborhood features, and more—so you’re prepared to make informed decisions. -
Set Clear Expectations
I’ll walk you through the entire home-buying process, timelines, and potential challenges so there are no surprises.
During the Search
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Find Homes That Match Your Needs
I’ll search for properties that fit your budget, style, and preferences, using tools like the MLS and off-market opportunities. -
Schedule Showings
I’ll coordinate home tours around your availability and make sure we see everything that interests you. -
Evaluate Homes With You
I’ll help you assess each property’s pros and cons, from location and condition to long-term value. -
Research Property Details
I’ll dig into the details—property history, taxes, HOA fees, and more—so you have the full picture. -
Attend Open Houses Together
I’ll accompany you to open houses to provide guidance and answer any questions on the spot.
When It’s Time to Make an Offer
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Analyze the Market
I’ll perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine a fair and competitive offer price. -
Draft and Submit the Offer
I’ll prepare a strong, error-free purchase offer that includes all necessary contingencies to protect you. -
Negotiate on Your Behalf
I’ll negotiate with the seller’s agent to get you the best possible price, terms, and conditions.
After the Offer Is Accepted
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Coordinate Inspections
I’ll help you schedule inspections and attend them with you to ensure everything is thoroughly checked. -
Review Inspection Results
I’ll go over the inspection report with you and negotiate repairs or credits with the seller if needed. -
Assist With the Appraisal
I’ll work with your lender to ensure the home appraises for the agreed-upon price. -
Track Deadlines
I’ll manage all contract deadlines—like inspections, contingencies, and loan approval—to keep everything on track.
As We Approach Closing
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Review Closing Documents Together
I’ll help you review and understand all closing documents to ensure there are no surprises. -
Handle Any Last-Minute Issues
I’ll troubleshoot and resolve any final concerns that may come up before closing day. -
Join You for the Final Walkthrough
I’ll walk through the home with you one last time to make sure it’s in the agreed-upon condition.
After You’ve Closed
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Offer Ongoing Support
Need recommendations for contractors, movers, or other services? I’m here to help even after closing day. -
Stay Connected
I’ll stay in touch for any future needs—whether it’s a referral, advice, or help with your next real estate transaction.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Home Together!
As your agent, I’m committed to making this an enjoyable, transparent, and successful experience. Let’s get started on finding your dream home today! 😊
Understanding the “New Rules” in Real Estate: What Knoxville and East Tennessee Buyers Need to Know in 2025
If you’re planning to purchase a home in East Tennessee or the Knoxville area in 2025, it’s important to understand how the “new rules” in real estate are shaping the home-buying process. These changes, stemming from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement, require buyers to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement when working with a realtor.
What Is a Buyer Representation Agreement?
Before this change, buyers in Knoxville often worked with realtors who assisted them in finding homes, analyzing the market, negotiating offers, and navigating the closing process, all without a formal agreement. Realtors would frequently provide these services without requiring an exclusive relationship.
However, this informal arrangement created challenges. For example, a buyer might tour dozens of homes with one agent, only to submit an offer with a different agent who showed them the final property. This lack of clarity in agency relationships often led to confusion and potential disputes.
Now, under the new rules, buyers who want to work with a realtor must sign a Buyer Representation Agreement, which formalizes the relationship and ensures the realtor is working exclusively for the buyer.
How Does This Change the Buyer-Realtor Relationship?
The introduction of the Buyer Representation Agreement shifts the buyer-realtor relationship from an open, undefined arrangement to a formal, exclusive partnership. This means that as a buyer, you’re no longer just a “customer”, you become a client, with your agent representing your best interests throughout the process.
To better understand this, consider how sellers work with listing agents. Sellers sign a Listing Agreement, which guarantees the realtor’s exclusive representation in marketing and selling the property. Similarly, buyers now enter into an exclusive agreement with their agent, ensuring dedicated service and accountability.
A Key Change: Realtor Compensation
One of the most significant changes under the new rules is how buyer agent compensation is handled.
In the past, the seller typically negotiated a total commission fee with their listing agent, which was then split with the buyer’s agent. This fee was essentially built into the home’s purchase price and indirectly paid by the buyer at closing.
Now, the process has changed. The buyer agent’s compensation is no longer automatically tied to the seller’s commission. Instead, it’s negotiated separately and must be outlined in the Buyer Representation Agreement before you begin your home search.
Negotiating Buyer Agent Compensation
When you sign a Buyer Representation Agreement in East Tennessee, you’ll negotiate key terms with your buyer agent, including:
- The duration of the agreement
- The areas or properties covered
- The compensation structure (this could be a percentage of the final purchase price or a flat fee)
While sellers in the Knoxville area may still offer to pay part or all of the buyer agent’s fee, the amount is no longer disclosed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This means buyers need to have a clear understanding of their agent’s compensation upfront.
For example, during an initial consultation, your agent will explain the home-buying process, the terms of the Buyer Representation Agreement, and how compensation works. If a seller’s offered compensation doesn’t meet the agreed-upon amount in your agreement, you may need to cover the difference at closing.
Real-Life Example: How This Might Play Out
Let’s say you’re looking for a home in the Farragut area, where competition is high. You’ve signed a Buyer Representation Agreement with your agent, agreeing to a 3% compensation fee. If a seller offers only 2.5% to the buyer’s agent, you would need to pay the remaining 0.5% at closing unless otherwise arranged with your agent.
Here’s how this could work in practice:
- Your agent will inform you of the seller’s offered compensation before you tour any homes.
- This knowledge allows you to adjust your offer strategy, especially in competitive situations.
- If the seller’s compensation falls short, your agent will help you determine how to address the difference—whether through negotiation or incorporating it into your closing costs.
Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters
In today’s evolving real estate market, selecting the right buyer agent is more important than ever. The new rules mean you’ll have a more direct role in negotiating your agent’s compensation, so working with a knowledgeable, experienced realtor is critical.
The best agents will provide:
- Expert guidance through every step of the home-buying process
- Market insights specific to Knoxville and East Tennessee neighborhoods, such as Farragut, Bearden, or Powell
- Negotiation skills to help you secure your dream home, even in a competitive market
Navigating the Knoxville Real Estate Market
The Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate market is known for its variety, from picturesque homes near the Great Smoky Mountains to vibrant neighborhoods like Sequoyah Hills or historic downtown areas. With the new rules in place, having a skilled agent by your side ensures you’re well-prepared to navigate these changes while finding the perfect property.
Ready to Begin Your Home-Buying Journey?
The 2025 real estate market in Knoxville brings new challenges, and new opportunities. By partnering with a trusted local agent, you’ll have the support and expertise needed to make confident, informed decisions.
If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with Troy Stavros of Cornerstone Realty Associates today! He will guide you through the Buyer Representation Agreement, help you understand your options, and ensure a smooth path to homeownership.
For personalized assistance in East Tennessee or the Knoxville area, reach out to Troy today. Your dream home is waiting!