Gary's approach to the Real Estate profession can be summarized as follows: "Serious Service for Serious Clients." Buying a home is a very serious and complex endeavor for the buyer, the buyer's representative, and the other parties involved. The process requires an exceptional focus on detail, proven tactical and strategic expertise, and comfort with real estate practice. Satisfied clients will tell you that Gary Bingham excels in all of these areas.

Gary holds Accredited Buyer's Representative credentials, and works on a "By Appointment Only" basis. Unlike most real estate agents, he won't race out to show a home to someone with whom he has not previously met and established a client relationship. He believes that real estate agents have no business showing someone else's home to anyone, unless the individual being shown is a serious and qualified potential buyer, in other words, a client. Confirmation that a potential buyer is in fact a client is evident through the existence of a Buyer Representation Agreement. Utah real estate law requires that a Buyer Representation Agreement be initiated as soon as possible in the home buying process, but in no case later than writing an offer. To protect his clients, Gary insists that the agreement be completed up front, when his services as a Buyer Representative actually begin.

The home buying process can be broken down into four basic steps. The first two steps (The Initial Interview and Home Showings) can easily take three hours. For the best possible service to his clients, Gary recommends setting up an appointment at least 48 hours in advance.

Step 1. The Initial Interview

-Discussion of Buyer Representation and "Agency" requirements under state law
-Discussion of the local areas, their nuances, and the real estate market
-Analysis of client home preferences & financing/payment considerations
-A review of the available listings meeting the buyer's preferences

Step 2. Home Showings

-Selection of the Homes to be shown
-Scheduling the showing appointments with sellers or their agents
-The showings

In the case of occupied homes, several hours to a day's notice in advance is frequently required for showings. While it's possible to schedule a string of showings approximately 30 minutes apart, the practical number of showings for a particular outing is five or six. Experience indicates that showing more than six homes on a particular outing often results in blurring the distinctions between the homes. The buyer should make notes, (preferably on the listing sheet) at each home in order to document his/her reactions for later recall. At the end of the outing, Gary and his client will summarize and rank the homes in accordance with the client's preferences.

Step 3. The Offer & Negotiation Process: --after a home is selected

-Market Analysis of similar homes sold to estimate actual value
-Walk-through the Purchase Agreement to discuss price, terms and timing options available to the buyer
-Preparation of the Purchase Agreement and securing of Earnest Money Deposit
-Submission of Purchase Agreement to the Seller's representative
-Subsequent advice and counter-offers based upon the Seller's response

Step 4. Due Diligence and other steps toward a successful closing --- After acceptance of a Purchase Agreement.

Gary's role evolves to that of a "Transaction Manager".

-He closely monitors the accomplishment the actions and deadlines contained in the contract
-Exerts pressure where required to ensure the buyer's rights and interests are properly served
-Insures that the Seller's disclosures are provided as required
-Insures that service providers such as Home Inspectors, surveyors and other experts complete their work timely, and that the Buyer is able to make an informed decision regarding the purchase. If the results indicate repair work or other remedial action is required, Gary will assist the buyer in drafting and negotiating an addendum to the purchase agreement.
-Recommends other potential sources of professional information for the buyer to consider during the Evaluation & Inspections period, for example, homeowners associations, County/City Land Use officials, insurance companies, utility companies, and others. Gary's objective is to do everything possible so that the buyer will be able to make a fully informed final decision regarding the purchase during the Evaluations & Inspections or Due Diligence Period.

Gary also coordinates the efforts of the Buyer's lender and the Buyer's Title company to ensure the Settlement and Closing deadlines are met. Missed deadlines anywhere in the purchase process can result in the loss of buyer's renegotiation options, the opportunity to complete the purchase, or the opportunity to cancel the contract. In certain situations, missing a critical deadline may even cause the Buyer to lose his/her Earnest Money Deposit and subject the Buyer to a lawsuit for specific performance.

Finally,

Prior to Settlement (often referred to as closing), Gary will review the documents for accuracy and conformance with the provisions of the purchase agreement. He'll be in attendance at the Settlement to answer questions or to help resolve last minute snags. Afterward, he'll follow-up to confirm that the relevant documents have been recorded.

In conclusion, Gary does real estate right by providing Serious Service to Serious Clients. If you are ready to buy property in St. George and nearby communities, you need Gary on your side. And the best part, Gary's services are free to qualified buyers. Give him a call today to get the process going.