Frequently
asked
questions ...

1. What's the first thing I need to know about buying real estate in Slovakia?
   You can do it. We are professionals who know the market and will walk you through the steps. Whether it's your first home or land, we can make the process almost effortless for you.
2. Do you cover all areas in Slovakia?
   Yes. We buy property anywhere in Slovakia.
3. What should I consider before you start to look for a home?
   First, put together a list of features and benefits you want in a home. Think of such things as pricing, location, size and amenities. If you can't get a home at the price you want with all the features you are looking for, figure out what features are most important to you and rank them in priority so you know what you're willing.
4. When you find the home I want, how much should I offer?
   There are several things you should consider:
   1. Is the asking price in line with prices of similar homes in the area?
   2. Is the home in good condition or will you have to spend a substantial amount of money making it the way you want it? You probably want to get a professional home inspection before you make your offer.
   3. How long has the home been on the market?
   4. How much do you really want the home? The closer you are to the asking price, the more likely your offer will be accepted. In some cases, you may even want to offer more than the asking price, if you know you are competing with others for the house.
5. What if my offer is rejected?
   Don't let that stop you! Now you begin negotiating. We will help you. You may have to offer more money, but you may ask the seller to cover some or all of your closing costs or to make repairs that wouldn't normally be expected. Often, negotiations on a price go back and forth several times before a deal is made. Just remember - don't get so caught up in negotiations that you lose sight of what you really want and can afford!
6. What's a home inspection?
   A home inspection is when a paid professional, home inspector searches for defects or other problems that might cause problems to the new homeowner now or in the near future. The inspection is usually done when the purchase contract between buyer and seller has been signed. In this case, the home inspector is represented by the buyer and paid for by the buyer.
7. Is it necessary to get a home inspection?
   The answer is YES! The seller may or may not truly know everything about the house he is selling. For example, this may be a second home he has been renting for years and has not been able to see it in quite some time. Or it could be a home that was transferred to the new owner, due to a death in the family. And it is for the above reason why a home inspection is so important!
8. Does the Seller have to fix everything the Inspector finds?
   No. As the buyer, you have the flexibility to negotiate repairs or compensation for items found by the Inspector. If they are not addressed to your satisfaction, you can refuse to purchase the home at no cost to you.
9. As a buyer, do I have the right to obtain past information about the property I am interested in purchasing?
   Yes. Sellers are required to disclose all known defects associated with the property. With our help you can find out what has happened to the property in the past. You should make careful observations, examine the property and request or otherwise obtain any records important to you. These requests should be in writing. If you decide to put an offer on a home, it is important to have a professional inspection completed before closing.
10. What will you do for me in the buying process?
    • Work on your behalf to find your new home, first expanding your choices, then helping you narrow the field
    • Research comparable properties (sold, listed and expired from the market) to determine a fair price and terms
    • Prepare your purchase agreement and accompanying legal documents
    • Negotiate for the price, terms and conditions that are agreeable to you
    • Accompany you and any inspectors you engage as the property is examined
    • Follow up with attorney or others until the house is yours
11. What is normal in the real estate business?
    This is the question I am asked often. The answer is simple: There is no normal in the real estate business. Every transaction is unique. It depends upon location, market demand, attractiveness of use and many other factors. What was one year ago may not be today. This is why a prospective buyer needs the advice and counsel of a professional.
12. Is it true that the seller pays all the commission?
    This is a myth. Without the Buyer, there is no money and no sale.
13. What's an Exclusive Buyer Agent?
    An Exclusive Buyer Agent is a Real Estate Agent who only represents buyers. True Exclusive Buyer Agent never list property for sale and never represent sellers. Exclusive Buyer Agent only represents the best interests of the buyer.
14. How is an Exclusive Buyer Agent different than a traditional Real Estate Agent?
    Most traditional agents work at times for sellers and at times for buyers. They wear different hats depending on the situation. Exclusive Buyer Agent wear only one hat, the white one! His duty is to his clients and he places their interests above all other's including his own.
15. Should I sign an exclusive buyer representation agreement?
    To ensure that your agent is doing as much as possible for you, consider signing an exclusive buyer representation agreement. If you sign an exclusive agreement, the agent will do a thorough and expansive search of unlisted properties and new homes to find the perfect property for you. Signing the agreement ensures that the agent will receive a commission for your purchase, so it motivates them to fulfill your needs more aggressively.
16. What commitment do I have if I sign a Buyer Representation Agreement?
    The buyer and the agent both are committed by the agreement which should specify both the time period, the geographical area in which the representation is to take place, specify fees and the term of the service.
17. If you are paid a percentage of the purchase price, isn't it in your interest to try to keep the price high?
    We have a fiduciary obligation to work for our buyer's interests. We always attempt to negotiate a lower price and best terms for you. The interests and goals of our clients are above our own and anyone else's in the transaction. We will never risk losing future referrals from our clients by not always acting in their best interest- it's just not worth it.
18. I heard that what you do is not really any different than what seller's agents do. Is that true?
    No. If another agent who takes listings, or whose company takes listings, says they can do what we do, they are completely mistaken. Ask them what happens if you become interested in one of their own listings, or their company's listings? Who do they represent then?!
19. Why don't you list property for sale? What properties can you show us if you don't list homes for sale?
    Not listing property for sale is the only way to ensure that we always concentrate and focus on the needs and goals of buyers, never sellers. Buyers receive 100% loyalty, representation, disclosure, and advocacy on any home 100% of the time without conflicts. We can guarantee this level of representation and service to our clients.
    In opposite to the traditional agents we can expand the search to include For Sale By Owner properties, which many traditional agents do not like to do. In addition, we can include For Sale by Builder homes, and other property from any other sources. Traditional listing agents usually prefer to show only their own listings or their company's listings.
20. Can you help me sell my home?
    We can certainly recommend reputable listing agents. However, we do not ever represent sellers in Real Estate transactions.

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