Overview Dave Baker guest-hosts with Realtor-Broker Deborah Morton of Clareo Group at The Agency Atlanta. They tackle agent skepticism vs real representation, how new construction warranties really work, why inspections matter, fair housing rules, and how to vet an agent in today’s tech-driven market.

Key Takeaways

• Listing agents work for sellers; buyers should have their own representation.
• Tech changed search, but contracts, negotiations, and risk management are where agents earn it.
• New homes still need inspections; get pre-drywall and 11-month checks.
• Builder warranties vary; read your contract and track issues in writing.
• Fair housing laws bar discrimination; your agent must educate and keep you compliant.
• Skipping inspections limits your leverage and can be costly later.
• Sellers carry disclosure duties; hidden water issues create liability.
• Interview agents on experience, market data, negotiation approach, and process.

Caller Q&A

• Pam, Woodstock: Bought a former model with defects. Action: rely on written builder warranty terms, document items, escalate with the builder, consider a third-party inspection and legal consult; Deborah can connect pros.
• Jim, Cartersville: Ever skip inspections? Rarely smart. Only consider if a recent, reputable report exists and you accept the risk. Inspections protect leverage and budget.

Looking Ahead Next show: deeper dive on selecting the right agent, plus inspection playbooks for resale vs new construction.

Practical Tips

• Buyers: hire your own agent; budget for full home inspection, pre-drywall on new builds, and an 11-month warranty visit.
• Sellers: disclose known issues; fix moisture and drainage problems before listing.
• Everyone: keep all promises and repairs in writing; verify warranty coverage windows.
• Interview agents using a prepared question list; compare marketing, negotiation, and service, not just fees.

Timestamps

• 00:04 Dave opens; tech hiccups and setup
• 01:14 Real estate and home repair go hand in hand
• 02:42 Agent skepticism vs value of representation
• 04:09 Who the listing agent serves; buyer pitfalls unrepresented
• 05:21 Agent as professional advisor, not just salesperson
• 06:48 Land, builders, and when you need an agent
• 08:41 Fair housing and continuing education
• 10:24 Offers, obligations, and contracts 101
• 14:24 Caller Pam: builder warranty and defect path
• 33:08 Caller Jim: should you ever skip inspections?

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