When clients come to you with an idea of what they want, how do you help them refine their criteria prior to finding a match?

When buyer clients come to me for assistance in purchasing a home I first send them a packet of information about the current marketplace, my role for them and what they should expect during the process. I also have them fill out a questionnaire that gives me some insights on what are important features for them. Is it more important for them to have a lot or to a community with water-access? Do they have to have riparian waterfront or are they ok with non-riparian waterfront or water-view homes? Then I have the clients meet me in the office for a consultation before we go to see properties. We discuss the materials I’ve already given them, discuss their questionnaire and I try to get to know them better and allow them to ask me any questions they may have. Lastly, as we are looking at properties I continue to ask questions about what they like about the houses we’re seeing and what they don’t like about the houses were seeing, so I can narrow down exactly what will make them happy!

What is the most important thing you look for when purchasing a home for yourself?

When purchasing a home for myself I currently look for location, proximity to the schools I like for my children, style, condition and a realistic seller!!

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers, what would it be?

I would advise first-time home buyers to make sure that they contact a competent lender that can fully explain the process to them and help them get a real grasp of what they can truly afford. I never want any of my clients to have to call me to list their house for them because they can’t afford the mortgage.

If you were not selling real estate, where would you be today?

I’m not sure…I have a true personal pride in what I do and I haven’t felt that in any other career I’ve been in, in the past!

What would you say is your most proud accomplishment as a real estate agent so far?

I have a lot of proud accomplishments, many of which are related to my clients into the house of their dreams or helping someone sell a house that really has a major impact on their lives. Professionally I’ve accomplished a lot of recognition; Top agent in my office, Top 100 Agent for Coldwell Banker, Top 2% for NRT, Top 100 for AA County, Master’s Club Member, President’s Circle Member, Certified Previews Specialist and Certified Negotiations Specialist.

What property do you currently have listed that you would like more people to see? 

Conquest Manor
“A Premiere Chesapeake Bay Waterfront Estate”

Enjoy Gracious Living on Maryland’s Easter Shore
Breathtaking, Private, Inviting…Absolutely Gorgeous

Every day is a vacation at Conquest Manor. Restful days spent lounging by the pool or strolling along the sandy beach…within close proximity to 3 international airports, Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The estate encompasses 30 acres and 1,000ft of waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay. The 14,000sf main house features 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 3 half baths, 3 car garage, inviting family spaces and extraordinary entertaining spaces including a theatre with a balcony and a “club room” with full bar, dance area and stage. The finishes throughout this custom built house exude luxury, yet with a feel of a home you can live in every day.

The estate also boasts a pool, pool house, 6,200+sf guest-quarters and car showroom (could be converted to a barn with stable or a gym), pond, gated entrance, sandy beach, pier with boat lift and two jet ski lifts, breathtaking views, fire pit, porte-cochere and a national award winning home automation system. Visit www.ConquestManor.com    $9,800,000

The post The Home Buying Experience: Expert Tips From Maryland Realtor Carol Snyder appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.