Home Buyers
Buy Smarter in and around Ocala with Expert Buyer Representation Under the New NAR Rules
Buying a home in today’s market requires more than just browsing listings.
With me as your trusted Ocala buyer agent, you’ll get step-by-step guidance, clear agreements, and strong negotiation strategies that protect your bottom line.
Book Your 15-minute Buyer Strategy Call Now - 352-405-1663
What Changed & How I Protect You
New Rules, Clear Agreements, Better Decisions.
New Rules, Clear Agreements, Better Decisions.The 2024 NAR settlement has changed how buyers work with agents. If you’re searching for a home, you now need a written Buyer Agreement before touring properties. As your Dunnellon buyer agent, I keep the process transparent and simple.
This change is about clarity and fairness, but it also raises new questions about who pays, how agents are compensated, and how to negotiate under the new system.
Here’s how I make it simple:
Written Buyer Agreement before touring. You’ll sign a simple, transparent agreement that outlines services and how I’m compensated before we step into a home. (Effective after the NAR settlement implementation.)
Compensation Options. We explore whether it’s buyer-paid, seller concessions, or lender credits, so there are not surprises.
No commission offers in the MLS. Listing agents can’t publish buyer-agent pay there anymore. Compensation is now handled outside the MLS and negotiated case-by-case.
See my full guide to the new NAR Rules: Key Changes Buyers Must Know.
Local Market Snapshot (kept current quarterly):
Why Now Favors Prepared Buyers
Ocala: Average home ~$271K, homes selling in ~56 days. More room to negotiate.
Dunnellon: Average ~$275K, ~45 days to pending. Speed matters.
Citrus County: Average ~$275K, down ~4.8% YoY—sellers more flexible.
Marion County Overall: Inventory up ~40% YoY; DOM up to ~78 days—buyers regain leverage.
With more supply and longer days on market, buyers finally have leverage again. A skilled Ocala buyer agent can help you use it wisely.
What Buyers Want Now (and how I deliver):
How I Meet Today’s Buyer Expectations
Radical clarity on costs: I explain exactly how compensation works under the new rules and map out options (buyer-paid, seller concessions, lender credits) up front.
Data-backed offer strategy: I show real DOM, price cuts, and sale-to-list ratios for your micro-neighborhood comps drive smart buying decisions.
Negotiation for net-to-you: I push for concessions (repairs, closing costs, rate buydowns) based on inspection and market leverage. (Rising supply helps protect your bottom line).
Local lifestyle match: Equestrian/WEC, golf, river & Gulf access, 55+—I filter homes by lifestyle, not just beds/baths.
Fast access: Two-hour weekday response window pledge ensures you never miss the right house.
Buyer Q&A:
Q1: Do I really need to sign a buyer agreement before touring homes in Ocala or Dunnellon?
A: Yes—nationwide practice changes require a written agreement before we view homes. Mine is short, plain-English, and comprehensible.
Q2: Can the seller still help pay my agent?
A: Potentially. While the MLS no longer carries compensation fields, we can negotiate seller-paid concessions (credits/repairs/closing costs) that effectively offset my fee—case by case and subject to loan rules.
Q3: Are Ocala homes finally more negotiable?
A: In many price bands, yes. Inventory is up and days-on-market are longer here than last year, which improves buyer leverage.
Q4: How do you save me money beyond the price?
A: By structuring requests for credits, rate buydowns, inspection-based repairs, and timing (e.g., closing cost credits vs price drops depending on your loan math). Nationally, longer listing durations support these strategies.
Q5: How do you avoid surprises under the new rules?
A: Transparency! We’ll outline services, compensation options, and scenarios in writing on Day 1—then revisit before any offer.
Your Buying Game Plan (simple 5 steps):
- 15-Minute Strategy Call → confirm budget, neighborhoods, neighborhood / lifestyle fit.
Written Buyer Agreement → services + compensation options, crystal-clear and signed before touring.
Market Scan & Tour → short-list by data (DOM, price history, concessions likelihood).
Offer & Negotiation → structure deals for credits, repairs, buydown.
Close & Welcome → smooth process, local resources, utilities, and move-in checklist.
15-Minute Strategy Call → confirm budget, neighborhoods, neighborhood / lifestyle fit.My Buyer Guarantee in and around Ocala & Dunnellon:
If we don’t secure measurable value in your purchase—price reduction, seller-paid concessions, or lender credits—I’ll credit $300 toward closing costs (where permitted by lender rules).
Plus, my 2-Hour Response Pledge means you’ll never miss the right home.