Example Buyer Info

There are some things I think agents should have on their webpages or blogs.  This is list is not exhaustive, but is setup to stimulate ideas.  A good litmus test to see if your web presences is effective is to see if visitors return.

• Your IDX Site Link (Consumer facing MLS search site)
• HomeBuying Guide (In Virginia the BAR Assocation has developed this resource)
• State and Federal Fair Housing Guidelines
• Your Post about your State Agency Laws and Disclosures
• Regional Information (Here is an example or my local market – most Chambers have this)
• Required Property Disclosure Document (Here is Virginia’s)
• EPA Lead Based Paint Disclosure (This is the one required by Federal Law)
• EPA Radon Consumer Information
• EPA Mold Information and Disclosures for Consumers
• Green Remodeling Values and Guidelines
• Walkability Score for a given neighborhood
• School Information and Evaluation
• Free Credit Information
• Consumer Explanation and Information Regarding Shortsales
• Crime Statistics
• Weather Information and Patterns
• Workforce and Labor Statistics
• Tract and Block Information
• Locally Issued Permits according to HUD
• Census Information
• Renting Versus Buying Calculator
• Local Marketing Information
• Remodeling Cost versus Value
• CLUE Insurance Reporting Information
• Your Local Planning Commission
• Your Local Master Plan for the Community
• Local County / City Website
• List of Lender / Home Inspector / Termite providers
• Local School board and school districts
• A copy of the predominate contract for your area, with your notes explaining what is commonly expressed
• Area Library Information and Links
• Local Tax Information
• Current Personal Property Tax
• Sales and Use Tax
• Zip Codes by Region

Be the Source of the Source, but not the Source

One of the first and most lasting lessons I learned early on in my career, was that reducing liability was a primary concern. It’s important for consumers to have information and for the practitioner to be instrumental in getting them that information. However, there is great liability in providing information and perhaps being wrong. Being able to refer the consumer to the source of information (such as five year plan or county / city zoning regulations) can ensure that they have access to information and you were the vehicle to get there, but not as liable for the information.