What geographic areas do you cover?
My area specialization is "Homes Near Metro". That includes Montgomery County and NW DC including Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, North Potomac, Germantown, Clarksburg, Montgomery Village, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Takoma Park, Dupont Circle, Downtown DC, Silver Spring and nearby areas. I will also often go in to Frederick and Howard Counties.
I have knowledge of many of the popular neighborhoods in Montgomery County including King Farm, Fallsgrove, Lakelands, Kentlands, Washingtonian Center, Clarksburg Town Center, Rockville/Twinbrook, Fountain Hills, Kingsview Village, Milestone, Villages of Urbana, Tuckerman/Grosvenor - just to name a few.
Areas that I do not personally work in, but partner with other Realtors include Northern Virginia, Annapolis, Ocean City, Ocean Pines.
Regardless of which area you are focused on, I have the resources to provide you information on recent sales, neighborhood statistics, schools, crime, and much more.
Are you full-time or part-time?
I have worked full time as a Realtor since 2002. This is my career - I'm not dabbling in the business to make a extra money and I have no other commitments that will limit my responsiveness! I work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (or so it seems!). I am available to meet with my clients weekdays, evenings or weekends.
How many clients do you work with at one time?
I am not a high-volume agent (by choice). My sales goal each year is 12 transactions. However, in the real estate world, sometimes that means 4 in one month and none in others! I find working with 3-4 active buyers a month is my limit to be able to have enough time for everyone. I do two shifts on the weekends (11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm). Don't worry, if I feel I am too busy to take on new clients, I will refer you to another Realtor.
Are you a Buyers Agent or Listing Agent?
In Maryland and DC, a Realtor can be both a Buyers Agent and Listing Agent - but not both at the same time on the same house! I primarily work as a Buyers Agent, but do have a few listings each year. In the event you are interested in a property I have listed, my legal obligation lies with the Seller. You can either pursue the home unrepresented or you can have another Realtor show you the home.
Do I have to sign anything to work with you?
I can understand not wanting to commit yourself to a Realtor you've barely met. I do not require a Buyer Agency Agreement to see houses. However, if you decide to make an offer on a house I've showed you, then in fairness, I do ask you work with me. Legally, a Buyers Agency Agreement must be signed for a Realtor to write an offer.
Do you offer any rebates or other incentives to buyers?
Loan guidelines limit how much outside cash a buyer can receive toward their purchase - often just 3% of the loan amount. Since I always negotiate for my buyer clients to receive the maximum amount from the seller, additional rebates are not permitted.
To ensure you get the best possible deal, I have close working relationships with several lenders and title companies that will provide my clients discounts on closing fees. I work to obtain a reissue rate on title insurance, saving you up to 40% versus a new policy. You will receive a Home Warranty at no cost, if desired.
When selling your home, I do offer discounts on the brokerage fee if you are also buying another home (ie, "moving-up"). Repeat clients get a 1/2% discount when selling.
Do you have questions about buying a home?
Email Jeff Escher at [email protected]