Where Should You Start? Choosing the Right OREF Advisories for Your Buyer

Q:  I’m working with a buyer who is looking to purchase a larger home for himself and his family. He has only bought a couple of homes in the past, so while he’s somewhat familiar with real estate transactions, he still has many questions. I’m wondering which advisories from the OREF library would be most helpful to share with him. There are so many options, and since we haven’t fully narrowed down what he’s looking for yet, it’s hard to know where to start. Any guidance? 

A:  As you noted, there are many advisories in the OREF library, and it can be hard to know which ones to provide early on—especially when your buyer’s needs are still taking shape. 

Two advisories are especially helpful for buyers who have some experience but still need support with the details of the transaction: 

OREF 000C – Real Estate Transaction Terms and Concepts 

This is a great refresher on the key terms and concepts your client will encounter throughout the purchase process, including topics like agency, escrow, and closing costs. 

OREF 000B – Advisory for Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate 

This advisory covers a wide range of common issues and considerations, from selecting property to transaction logistics and due diligence. It also includes links to the more detailed advisories in the library, so, providing OREF 000B is kind of like providing all the advisories in the OREF library, since it makes them all accessible to the client at their discretion.   

Starting with these two forms is often the best way to give buyers a strong foundation without overwhelming them. 

All comments and responses from OREF or its staff, managers, and volunteers are non-legal opinions made for general purposes. Each Forms subscriber must rely solely upon their Principal broker or personal legal counsel for specific advice and instruction. You and your client should independently confirm that the Form(s) you use are legally suitable for the purposes intended and that they are current with respect to all laws and regulations.