All Our FAQs In One Place

Transparency is extremely important to us. We believe the more informed you are, the happier you will be. Please click the arrow of any main topic below for our most frequently asked questions and answers.

General FAQs

Question: What is the difference between a Real Estate Broker, Agent, or REALTOR?

Answer: They essentially mean the same thing (licensed real estate professional), with some distinctions. The term "broker" and "agent" are synonymous. In North Carolina, licensed real estate professionals are referred to as a "broker" so you may see this term used frequently here in NC. However, the term real estate broker often can also refer to a broker-in-charge, which is the leadership of the brokerage and has additional qualifications to supervise other brokers.

If an licensed real estate broker or agent uses the term "REALTOR" it means they are members of the NAR, which stands for National Association of Realtors and hold themselves to higher standards in the industry.

Question: Why Should I Work With A Real Estate Broker / Agent / REALTOR?

A licensed real estate professional (broker, agent, Realtor) is held to high standards in their client representation. Industry expectations and license law indicates a real estate professional MUST provide a set of duties that fall under "Fiduciary" duties to the client and other professionals in a transaction.

Our Team Approach

Question: How does your team approach work for me as a client?

Answer: We work together when needed or on our individually focused tasks when appropriate. We will keep you informed with clarity every step of the way.

As a husband-and-wife real estate team, we work together in our professional and personal lives to maintain a high-level of client happiness while also maintaining a desirable work-life balance with our children. This often means we will work together on a client's behalf, based on need and circumstances. We also capitalize on our individual skill-sets to exceed your expectations and believe this is a major benefit to our clients. Double the value for increased affordability - 2 dedicated Realtors for 1 shared commission! You don't pay MORE to work with us, you pay less for more value. 2 for the price of 1, like a BOGO deal!

By request, we are happy to meet your preferences if you would prefer to work with one individual over another in our team. We will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.

Question: If I hire you as a team, does that mean I pay more commission costs?

Answer: No, never! It's a 2 for 1 deal!

Hiring us as a team means you get two Realtors representing you for the same commission you would have agreed upon for just one Realtor representation. You do not pay more because we work together as a team. You pay the original amount we negotiate as part of our contract and enjoy the benefits of double representation!

Question: Which team member should I use as my primary communication?

Answer: The answer is ultimately up to you. But, it's best to use both of us.

You may call, text, e-mail or communicate however best suits your needs and preferences to either one of us any time. We ask if you're working with one of us individually on a certain topic or task, please communicate directly with that team member to best serve your needs.

It is best to include both of us on all communications whenever possible. We communicate well through group structures like video calls, group texts, copied e-mails, and more. If you have any concerns or questions, we are happy to discuss them during our initial and follow up meetings.

Our Brokerage

Question: Can you tell me about your brokerage Real Broker, LLC?

Answer: Real Broker, LLC is recognized as one of the fastest growing and most agent-centric brokerages in the U.S. As big as they are growing, we are able to provide a highly localized team to you.

We chose Real as our brokerage because of their agent-centric model, which we believe ultimately becomes a client-centric model. The brokerage puts us as agents first by serving our needs and we, in turn, can put your needs first with the proper set of tools, communication, technology, and expertise. This also means we can access our Real network to ensure our sellers finds the right buyer for their property or our buyers find the right home of their dreams.

You can learn more about our broker partner by visiting their website: onereal.com. As the "Real Estate Experience Company," their motto is: "Our vision is to create a world where buying and selling homes is a simple, seamless, and enjoyable experience for everyone." We align with their goal completely.

Question: What does it mean to have a brokerage? Is my contract with them or you?

Answer: Real Estate agents work under the supervision of a brokerage, or broker, and receive a variety of support services through the affiliation. The contract you sign is with the brokerage but as a representative of the brokerage, we are an extension of that contract. If for some unexpected reason we were unable to perform our duties, your contract would still be valid with the brokerage, in most circumstances.

Buyers

Question: Does our initial consultation mean I am required to work with you?

Answer: No.

It is important that you understand your consumer rights and representation so we will review the "Working with Real Estate Agents" disclosure during the initial consultation. Until we sign a buyers agreement, you are not required to work with us. The initial consultation is completely no-obligation and no-pressure!

Question: What is the "Working with Real Estate Agents" disclosure and why do I need to sign it during our first meeting or initial consultation? Is it a contract?

Answer: No. The WWREA (Working with Real Estate Agents) disclosure is not a contract.

All real estate agents are required to review the WWREA at the first client meeting and must receive a signed acknowledgment of the client receiving the disclosure. This ensures you understand your rights and representation status so that your best interests are upheld and your confidentiality is maintained.

Question: What is a buyer-broker agreement? Is it a contract?

Answer: Yes. The Buyer-Broker Agreement is a contract between you and your Realtor.

There are several components of the buyer-broker agreement that are negotiable to meet your needs: duration, compensation, and some other terms of the agreement. This contract is reviewed in depth to ensure your understanding.

It is important to note that all Realtors must have a signed buyer-broker agreement (even if the duration is for a single property) prior to showing homes to clients. This ensures transparency and protects your best interests in the relationship and potential future transaction.

Sellers

Question: Does our initial consultation mean I am required to work with you?

Answer: No.

It is important that you understand your consumer rights and representation so we will review the "Working with Real Estate Agents" disclosure during the initial consultation. Until we sign a listing agreement, you are not required to work with us. The initial consultation is completely no-obligation and no-pressure!

Question: What is the "Working with Real Estate Agents" disclosure and why do I need to sign it during our first meeting or initial consultation? Is it a contract?

Answer: No. The WWREA (Working with Real Estate Agents) disclosure is not a contract.

All real estate agents are required to review the WWREA at the first client meeting and must receive a signed acknowledgment of the client receiving the disclosure. This ensures you understand your rights and representation status so that your best interests are upheld and your confidentiality is maintained.

Question: What is a listing agreement? Is it a contract?

Answer: Yes. The Listing Agreement is a contract between you and your Realtor.

There are several components of the listing agreement that are negotiable to meet your needs: duration, compensation, and some other terms of the agreement. This contract is reviewed in depth to ensure your understanding prior to signing.

It is important to note that all Realtors must have a signed listing agreement prior to marketing your home for sale. This ensures transparency and protects your best interests in the relationship and potential future transactions.

Contact + Next Steps

Question: If I'm ready to move forward, what are my next steps?

Answer: We'd love to meet and learn more about your needs in depth.

Choose A or B.... or reach out A or B doesn't work and you'd like an option C!

A. We offer a no-pressure initial consultation to anyone who has questions about the local area, their move, or logistics involved in buying, selling, or investing. This step is not required but highly recommended, especially for those not sure about whether they want to move forward. Be prepared to review and sign the WWREA disclosure during this meeting.

B. If you're ready to discuss your home buying, selling, or investing needs more in depth or you're working with a tight timeline, we are always happy to combine our initial consultation with our more in depth client intake process. We never want you to feel pressured so we will work at your pace and desired timeline. However, we are available to meet your needs if you're ready to proceed with home showings or listing your property for sale on a more accelerated timeline. If you want to proceed, be prepared to sign a buyer-broker agreement (for buyers) or a listing agreement (for sellers).

C. These options don't work? How can we best serve you? Please contact us

Question: How do I contact you?

Answer: Our contact information is below. We look forward to hearing from you!

Leonard Real Estate NC

eXp Realty, LLC

www.leonardrealestatenc.com

www.washingtonNChomes.com

www.exprealty.com

John Leonard

john@leonardrealestatenc.com

Call/Text: (252) 940-2003

Elizabeth Leonard

elizabeth@leonardrealestatenc.com

Call/Text: (252) 947-3007

Customizable, Value-Added Solutions

Question: What does it mean to offer customizable, value-added solutions for clients?

Answer: We offer a variety of solutions that we believe are value-added to maximize your enjoyment of the process and fit your financial goals. When we say customizable, it means we will work with you on your specific needs and goals to provide the support desired.

In a real world seller scenario, this would mean offering to organize your home prior to packing, pre-packing your home, staging your home to maximize it's buyer appeal, market your home for sale, negotiate the deal to closing, and help you in your move transition to the next chapter.

In a real world buyer scenario, this would mean including dated homes or dysfunctional floor plans in the mix of home showings to ensure you learn all your options for achieving your dreams. It means meeting with a lender ahead of time to review creative financing options and learn in depth about your specific goals in this next home purchase. This scenario could possibly even include support services from design consulting to managing the renovation post move to assisting with furniture shopping or move-in organization needs.

Question: How do I know if a service is included or added-on? Do you provide estimates upfront?

Answer: Our included services vs. added services are reviewed in depth on our website. We will also discuss these available services in depth and in relation to your specific needs.

In general, our included services would be something considered a Realtor's job but is going above the call of duty, above the standard client service offering. We will never "nickel and dime" you. We aim to provide the best client experience in the industry and will always put your best interests first over making profit for ourselves. You'll be surprised by the level of complimentary service we include for all clients.

Added services can generally be assumed as project based with specific measurable outcomes and time investment.

We will ALWAYS provide estimates upfront and discuss your project in detail prior to moving forward or making any assumptions. Never worry!

Relocations

Question: What services do you provide relocation clients before, during, and after the move?

Answer: We provide relocation support through virtual home showings, project management, or assisting with a variety of logistics surrounding your move.

We were in your shoes not too long ago and know how valuable it is to have a local Realtor you trust in your new town. Therefore, we structured our real estate services with the relocating client in mind. There's very few services and solutions we are not able to provide so If you're not sure whether we can handle it, please ask! We take the stress out of the moving process and support your transition.

Question: What technologies do you use for out-of-town clients unable to visit the area?

Answer: We provide a variety of tools that help you learn about your new town and communicate with us effectively.

For example, we utilize online scheduling through Calendly and virtual meetings through FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet or your preferred platform. We utilize your preferred communication style and needs.

We provide a wealth of local information from video tours of neighborhoods to event or business spotlights and more. We want you to know everything there is to know, no "sugar coating" - just real photos, videos, and fact-based knowledge. What you see is what you get - our photos aren't sent through filters or photoshop!

Investors

Question: How do you provide service to investors in Washington, NC?

Answer: We provide value-added solutions to investor buyers or investor sellers local to Washington, NC or out-of-town investors seeking local support.

We know what you need and often times, you're too busy to do it yourself. Or, you're too far away and can't do it yourself. We provide add-on services available to the investor client who benefits from local support through a variety of services: including, but not limited to: design consultation, home staging, project management, and logistics support.

Question: Do you have a set of contractors and home improvement professionals you work with and can recommend?

Answer: Yes! We have a local network of trusted contractors and home improvement professionals that come highly recommended and we have also used personally. We can help you vet local contractors, receive estimates, and provide updates on your project progress. Ultimately, we know you can do this yourself but we are here as a local resource when you can't DIY!

Vendors + Contractors

Question: Do you have a list of preferred or recommended contractors and vendors?

Answer: Yes, we have a helpful guide and list in provided resources available to you as our client.

It is a short and well vetted list but includes everything A to Z! This is one way we deliver exceptional service by supporting you before, during, and after your move - long after the transaction is complete.

Question: What if I am a contractor or home professional that would like to be added to your list of recommended providers?

Answer: We love networking with local talent and would be happy to meet, discuss, or learn more about your expertise in the field. We are always excited to provide more value and reliable service to our clients. Thank you for reaching out!

Home Design

Question: Are you an interior designer?

Answer: No. We are in no way interior designers.

We are passionate about maximizing your happiness and your return. This means we won't let a dated home design scare you into blindness to its potential. It means we won't encourage you to walk away if we can help you get the best of both worlds in a scenario that best fits your needs and wants.

We are passionate about home design, tapping into the potential of homes, and providing vision for your next home purchase or sale. So while we are not "interior designers" the ability to envision a home's future is a specialized skillset. We have also personally navigated home remodels of various depths and styles, so we pass on our knowledge and support to you based on real-life scenarios and outcomes.

Do you have more questions? We would love to chat!

Schedule a consultation or contact us anytime: calendly.com/leonardrealestatenc

Leonard Real Estate NC, a local husband-and-wife team in Washington, NC

Brokered by: Real Broker, LLC. (855) 450-0442

John can be reached at john@leonardrealestatenc.com or by phone 252-940-2003.

Elizabeth can be reached at elizabeth@leonardrealestatenc.com or by phone 252-974-3007.