Buyers Guide

Imagine flipping through a vibrant, interactive book, each page revealing insightful tips and visuals tailored to guide your journey in finding the perfect home. That's what our Interactive Flipping Book Buyer's Guide offers! It's designed to be engaging and informative, filled with rich images, essential checklists, and personalized advice to ensure you find a home that fits your dreams and budget. Whether you're browsing on your tablet or clicking through on your computer, every page turns your house hunting into an exciting and streamlined experience. Ready to flip open your path to a new home? Dive into our guide today!

MAYER REALTY GROUP BUYER’S GUIDE

MAYER REALTY GROUP

Hey there, future homeowner!

I'm thrilled to congratulate you on taking the exciting step towards owning your own piece of real estate! Buying a home is a big deal, and I'm here to be your partner every step of the way. At Mayer Realty Group, we're all about making your home buying journey smooth sailing. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, our mission is to tailor our support to fit your unique needs and wishes. Together, let's dive into the complex real estate scene and find that perfect place you'll be proud to call home. From scouring listings to sealing the deal, count on us for expert advice and unwavering support. I've put together a handy home buyer guide just for you, packed with must- know info and useful resources to help you feel confident throughout the process. Got questions? Want to chat about your dream home? Reach out anytime – I'm here to make this journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible!

Cheers to your exciting adventure in homeownership!

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Meet the Team: Mayer Realty Group 9 Let's Dive In: Your Home Hunt Begins! 15

Home Hunting Hacks: Unleash Your Inner Detective 17 Making an Offer: Sealing the Deal in Style 26 Offer Magic: Crafting Your Winning Bid 27 FAQs Unveiled: Your Burning Questions Answered

WHO WE ARE

At Mayer Realty Group, we're more than just real estate agents; we're your partners in making important life milestones stress-free and enjoyable. Our expert team, deeply rooted in the Greater Canton area, is committed to understanding your unique needs and exceeding your expectations. With Compass technology, we offer personalized, efficient services, including virtual tours and real-time market insights. We value building lasting relationships, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. Trust us to prioritize your best interests and work tirelessly to achieve your real estate dreams. Experience the difference with Mayer Realty Group—contact us today.

Our approach is simple - we listen, we communicate, and we always act in your best interest. We are passionate about providing exceptional customer service, and we work tirelessly to make sure that every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on what really matters - your family and your future. OUR PROMISE At Mayer Realty Group, you're not just a client - you're a valued friend. We take the time to build relationships with each and every person we work with, so that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. You can trust that we will always do our very best to ensure that you achieve your real estate goals and that you're completely satisfied with the outcome. THERE’S MORE

@mayerrealtygroup

Mayer Realty Group

Melissa Mayer

ABOUT MELISSA Meet Melissa Mayer, your local real estate expert! A proud Massachusetts native and top-tier agent, Melissa thrives on building meaningful connections with her clients, delivering nothing short of stellar customer service every step of the way.Whether you're diving into homeownership for the first time or a seasoned seller, Melissa's got your back. With her deep roots in Canton, she's your go-to guide for uncovering the hidden gems and cozy corners of the area she calls home. For the past five years, Melissa's been spreading her real estate magic across the Greater Canton area, soaking up the down-to-earth vibes and tight-knit community spirit. But it's not all business for Melissa – she's also a passionate philanthropist, rolling up her sleeves for local causes and town initiatives. When she's not busy making real estate dreams come true, you'll find Melissa lending her expertise to the Conservation and Community Preservation Commissions, or getting involved with the Canton Association of Business and Industry. Family is everything to Melissa, and her journey into real estate was no exception. With unwavering support from her husband, she traded her pharmaceutical career for a life of helping folks find their dream homes in Canton. Thanks to her background in operations and marketing, she's a powerhouse in the field, blending empathy and charisma with business savvy. Known for her client-first approach, Melissa's by your side from day one until the keys are in your hand. Detail-oriented and always on the ball, she'll make you feel like a VIP, ensuring a stress-free journey to closing day. But it's not all work and no play for Melissa – family time is her happy place when she's off the clock. Whether she's exploring Canton with her kids or kicking back with loved ones, she's all about bringing joy to every moment. Senior Vice President melissa.mayer@compass.com 781.799.4894 | 781.562.0099

Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Melissa's just a call away, armed with expertise, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of heart. Let's make magic happen together in Canton!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US MAYER REALTY GROUP Comprehensive Market Insight: At Mayer Realty Group, we offer a deep understanding of local real estate dynamics, from trends to pricing and inventory, ensuring we uncover the best options for you.

Masterful Negotiation: Our team's negotiation prowess secures the most favorable terms and prices, giving you a significant advantage in every real estate deal. Tailored Solutions: Just like a dedicated coach, we prioritize understanding your unique needs, customizing the home search to perfectly match your requirements. Prompt Responsiveness: Count on us to swiftly address your concerns and inquiries, providing the attentive service you deserve. Vast Professional Network: With an extensive industry network, including lenders, inspectors, contractors, and fellow agents, we leverage every connection to enhance your home buying journey. Educational Approach: Stay fully informed at every step. We believe in empowering clients with knowledge, fostering transparent and collaborative decision-making. Unwavering Ethics: Integrity and honesty form the bedrock of our service, ensuring you can trust the advice and guidance you receive from us. Strategic Problem-Solving: Encounter a challenge? Our team excels at strategic problem-solving, keeping your purchase on course no matter what hurdles arise. Efficient Closings: Let us handle the complexities of closing with precision, ensuring all paperwork and legalities are managed efficiently and accurately. Relentless Advocacy: Whatever the market conditions, we're relentless in advocating for your interests, tirelessly pursuing the best outcome for you.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

50 THINGS I DO AS A BUYER’S AGENT TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTION

Melissa Mayer Senior Vice President M: 781.799.4894

11.

01.

We will meet for a buyer consultation.

Learn relevant details and attributes of the properties shown, including number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, acreage, etc. Attend broker tours to view other available properties on the market. Stay connected to local buyers, sellers, and other agents to maintain a constant view of what drives the market.

02.

Align on the best communication plan throughout the entire process.

12.

03.

Encourage you to reach out to a lender for pre-approval and provide recommended lenders (at least 3) if requested.

13.

04.

Collect market data and recent comparables in neighborhoods you’re interested in.

14.

Reach out to agents with similar listings to understand traffic and buyer demand.

15.

05.

We will complete a buyer questionnaire to understand your needs and objectives.

Provide objective advice and help you evaluate the pros and cons of different properties.

06.

If necessary, I will research off-market opportunities for you to find additional suitable inventory.

16.

Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

17.

07.

Create a ‘Collection’ so you’re aware of listings that fit your criteria.

Understand the current condition of the property for negotiation purposes with the assistance of experts.

08.

Select properties to show you based on your criteria.

18.

Advise you on potential offer strategies that reflect current market conditions.

09.

Pull market trend data to understand what’s happening within the broader region.

19.

Help you obtain HOA documents if needed.

20.

10.

Coordinate showing appointments to gain access to desired listings.

Review all transaction documents with you in advance of writing any offer.

21.

Review all forms in the disclosure package.

36.

Create and execute closing timeline and transaction review.

22.

Coordinate additional access to the property, if necessary.

37.

Stay in close contact with all relevant parties through next steps.

23.

Join you while you meet with experts about desired improvements including landscaping, painting, fixture updates, minor and major renovations, etc.

38.

Share estimated timeline and all documents with client Things we do for Our BuyersThings we do for Our Buyers and Attorney(s), if applicable.

24.

If requested, recommend at least three vendors to you on your specific request.

39.

Coordinate and confirm inspection.

25.

Maintain consistent communication to provide market updates.

40.

Coordinate and confirm appraisal has been received.

26.

Monitor any changes in the market to refine offer strategy and make needed updates (revising price, terms, etc.) accordingly.

41.

Confirm loan approval has been received.

27.

Explain the offer process, timeline, and recommended preparation.

42.

Coordinate final walk-through and address issues that may arise by communicating with the seller's agent.

28.

Align on offer strategy and prepare the offer on your behalf.

43.

Remind you to order home warranty (if applicable).

29.

Notify the listing agent you are submitting an offer.

44.

Remind you to order homeowners insurance and set up utilities.

30.

Advise and strategize with you on counteroffer response.

45.

Request final closing figures from the closing agent (attorney or title company).

31.

Negotiate terms as needed with the listing broker and seller in writing

46.

Advise you to carefully review closing figures with settlement service provider.

32.

Notify you when terms are agreed upon.

47.

Facilitate closing for you and the seller.

33.

Assist with the review of the final contract, disclosures, pre-qualification letter, and wiring instructions, if applicable.

48.

Confirm recording of deed, if applicable.

49.

Transfer of keys and property access.

34.

Coordinate the signing of the final agreement.

50.

Welcome you to your new home!

35.

Facilitate deposit of earnest money and down payments.

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors or omissions. No guarantee or representation is made regarding the applicability of all information for every transaction. For any questions, consult with a licensed professional.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

THE BUYING PROCESS

HOME BUYER TIMELINE

APPRAISAL + FINANCING COMMITMENT

PURCHASE + SALE IS SIGNED + SECOND DEPOSIT IS RECEIVED

GET PRE-APPROVED

CLOSING DATE + HOME IS SOLD

MEET WITH THE AGENT TO DISCUSS GOALS

HOME INSPECTION

BEGIN SEARCH

CELEBRATE!

WRITE AN OFFER

OFFER IS ACCEPTED 1ST DEPOSIT DUE

Note: This is only a high level overview of a buy-side process. For more detailed steps, please refer to your real estate agent.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

REAL ESTATE TERMS

Home Inspection A thorough evaluation of the property's current condition to identify any necessary repairs. Title Search Confirmation that the property being sold rightfully belongs to the seller. Sellers Disclosure Documentation detailing any known issues or defects with the property. Appraisal Evaluation of the property's value based on various factors including its condition, location, and market trends. Seller’s Disclosure Documentation detailing any known issues or defects with the property.

Pre-Approval Initial step in obtaining a mortgage, involving a lender's assessment of the buyer's financial situation to determine loan eligibility. Offer A preliminary agreement between a buyer and seller indicating the buyer's intent to purchase a home. Contingency

Conditions outlined by either the buyer or seller that must be met for

the offer to proceed. Closing Cost

Additional expenses paid alongside the sale price, including taxes, insurance, and lender fees. Earnest Money Deposit Funds set aside in escrow to demonstrate the buyer's seriousness about the purchase.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

REAL ESTATE TERMS

Closing Final stage of the real estate transaction where ownership is transferred, and funds and keys are exchanged. Purchase + Sale Agreement A thorough evaluation of the property's current condition to identify any necessary repairs. Seller Concessions Negotiated agreements in real estate transactions where the seller agrees to cover some or all of the buyer's closing costs or other expenses. These concessions are often used as incentives to encourage buyers to purchase the property. Offer Deadline A specified date and time set by the seller to receive offers from potential buyers. It provides a timeframe for interested parties to submit their offers for consideration.

Highest & Best Refers to the most favorable offer a seller can obtain for a property, considering both price and terms. It involves evaluating multiple offers to select the one that maximizes the seller's benefit.

Special Assessment

A fee levied by a condo association or HOA to finance specific property improvements or services. It is typically mandatory and can be a one-

time or ongoing charge. Assessed Value

The value assigned to a property by the local

government for tax purposes. This value is determined based on various factors and may not necessarily reflect the market value.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

HOW MANY BUYERS WE’VE PLACED IN NEW HOMES

At Mayer Realty Group, we've hit the mark time and time again when it comes to finding dream homes for our buyers. Our success knows no bounds, spanning from the charming streets of Greater Canton to destinations across the nation. Whether you're envisioning a gorgeous colonial, a sleek condo, or exploring possibilities afar, we've got you covered. Let's embark on this exciting journey together—building on our past successes, your perfect home awaits!

MAYER REALTY GROUP

GETTING PRE-APPROVED

Why Choose a Local Lender?

Market Familiarity: Local lenders offer deep insights into housing market and appraisals, ensuring buyers grasp property availability and pricing. Speedy Service: Local lenders provide quick turnaround times, often issuing pre-approvals within days, unlike larger institutions. Personalized Attention: Buyers enjoy direct, personalized service from the loan officer, ensuring a tailored home buying journey. Competitive Rates: Local lenders offer competitive rates and fees tailored to the local market, including specialized programs for different buyer needs. Stronger Offers: A local lender's pre-approval carries more weight, making offers more appealing to sellers and agents.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

At Compass, we strive to help everyone find their place in the world. From providing a sophisticated search experience to offering you a sneak peek at homes not yet on the market, every one of our tools is designed to help us deliver your dream home.

COMPASS TOOLS TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

Compass Search Compass Search lets you sort by a wide range of features and amenities to pinpoint the perfect home. Plus, you can discover exclusive Compass listings that you cannot find anywhere else and receive real- time notifications of new homes with customized Saved Searches.

Compass Collections

Compass CMA

Private Exclusives A private exclusive listing is an off-market home that can be shared by a Compass agent directly with their colleagues and their buyers. As your agent I can provide visibility into these listings. you can feel more confident that your next home is in the right price range and that you are making a competitive offer. Powered by AI, Compass CMA is a tool that lets me provide you with real-time market insights on comparable homes in the area. Now

With Compass Collections I can curate a group of listings based on your personal preferences in a visual workspace. There, you can compare multiple properties, monitor market activity in real time, stay in constant contact with me, and invite collaborators to join in on the discussion - all in one central place.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

MAKING AN OFFER

Factors to Consider When Determining a Property's Value

Market Value: We thoroughly research comparable homes in the neighborhood to determine fair market value. Property Condition: We assess factors like the home's age, needed repairs, and any upgrades to gauge its condition. Seller's Motivation: negotiating a favorable deal for you. Plus, our wide network and strong relationships with local agents give you a competitive edge in the market. Location: Considering school districts, transportation, and amenities nearby, we evaluate Understanding the seller's urgency can guide us in how the location influences value Your Budget: We work with you and provide you with access to incredible lender partners first, to establish a budget based on your income, expenses, and credit score and second to educate you and help create opportunities within the lending parameters

MAYER REALTY GROUP

MY OFFER WAS ACCEPTED... NOW WHAT?

Pay Your First Deposit

Hire a Real Estate Attorney

Schedule your home inspection

Contact your loan officer to let them know you are under contract

MAYER REALTY GROUP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MAYER REALTY GROUP

Q: What is a pre-approval and why is it important? A: Pre-approval involves a lender assessing your finances and tentatively committing to commitment is documented in a pre-approval letter, crucial when making an offer on a home. At Mayer Realty Group, pre-approvals are required to view properties, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process. providing a loan up to a specified amount. This Q: How much of a down payment do I need? A: Down payments vary, typically ranging from 0% to 20% or more, depending on the loan program. Options like VA and USDA loans offer zero down payment, while conventional loans often require a higher percentage. Various sources, such as gift funds or funds from 401(k)s, can contribute to your down payment. We advise reviewing your financial situation and consulting with your lender to determine the best down payment strategy aligned with your home buying objectives.

Q: What is title insurance and do I need it?

A: Title insurance provides protection against financial loss due to defects in a property's title. There are two types: Lender's Title Insurance: Typically required by mortgage lenders, it safeguards the lender's interest in the property.

Owner's Title Insurance: Optional but recommended, it protects the buyer's equity in the property.

Title insurance covers issues like errors in public records, undisclosed liens, illegal deeds, and more, providing peace of mind during the home buying process. We can guide you through the process and help determine if title insurance is necessary for your situation.

MAYER REALTY GROUP

SCAN BELOW TO ACCESS THE BUYER’S FORM

MAYER REALTY GROUP

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Melissa Mayer’s unmatched ability, dedication, and drive as your agent will blow away all expectations you could imagine for a realtor.

Melissa is exceptional. She represented us on a potential deal in Canton, MA and exceeded all expectations.

Melissa was amazing to work with! Their app made keeping on top of the latest listings quite easy. Melissa was very responsive in answering all our questions/texts

She was FANTASTIC! From our first meeting with her, her passion for real estate was evident, but even more evident was her excitement and dedication to finding us our forever home. She learned about our lives, our priorities, what mattered, and after just two open houses - we had our dream home.

108 FIVE STAR REVIEWS ON GOOGLE

I don't even know where to begin as write this review of Melissa Mayer and her team at Mayer Realty Group of Compass. I'm honored that I had the privilege to work with Melissa as she very impressively guided me through the process of buying a home. I interviewed several realtors prior to connecting with Melissa and Melissa's kindness, knowledge of the market, and a let's do this attitude, made it a no-brainer for me to choose to work with Melissa.