Real Estate Agent Logan Gaines: Benefits Of Working With An Agent

Logan Gaines, a realtor based in Novi, Michigan with Keller Williams prides himself on his commitment to rise above expectations for each client he assists, whether a client is listing their home or on the market as a buyer in search of a new one. Gaines’ cities of focus are Livonia, Bloomfield Hills, Milford, Birmingham, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, yet he assists clients in every town and city in those counties and beyond in the state of Michigan. Stating, “I wanted to work with a great company, along with a team of additional experts that can bring the best out of me. Keller Williams was the one, just because it feels like a family.” Continuing, “When we need a handyman to install light fixtures, or a demolition team to make major adjustments, such as taking out an in-ground pool, someone always has an amazing resource - I think this just showcases the teamwork we have among each other and shows how the clients can best be served.”

Gaines spoke of Livonia, Michigan as one of his favorite areas for a variety of reasons. Gaines states, “It’s the perfect spot for families and the schools are top notch. There are many areas in Wayne County that are great, from Detroit, to Dearborn or Allen Park; Wayne County has a lot to offer. Oakland County includes the city in which I work which is great as well, and Livingston County has nice cities such as Howell and Brighton; these are also notable areas for potential buyers to look at further.”
“I like working in real estate because this is an area of work where I can help people in a big way and this is what I dedicate myself to doing. People have enough to handle in their day to day life, so when making a big decision to sell one’s home or to buy a home, I want to guide people and help them reach their goals, where stress is alleviated and confidence is instilled that the process will be a pleasant one. As a buyer you definitely want to strongly consider having an expert on the road to that home of your dreams, and as a seller you want to make sure that when you put your home on the market, this is done with knowledge and proper insight.”

Logan Gaines speaks of some tips for buyers and where insight definitely matters,
“I walk buyers through the contract step by step, as this is crucial. It’s important to know that there are situations for example where buyers could lose their earnest money deposit, so all of this needs to be clarified at the onset. No one wants to put in the time and hard work to earn income and then just see your savings go out the window like that. When needing to do something that may sound basic as a real estate contract, well, it’s really not that basic. Many have wondered after the fact why they didn’t go with a buyer’s agent on their team? Home buying is important. Obstacles that can very often be overcome with proper knowledge may present themselves; so, having someone on your team to help buyers or sellers persevere and overcome any obstacle is crucial. Many who buy a new home are planning to live there, twenty or thirty years, or longer. A home is where you share fond memories, such as memorable birthday parties, opening gifts on Christmas and the holidays, and celebrating a child’s acceptance into the college of their dreams. When you have someone who will disclose the issues at the forefront this is valuable, so that anything which needs to be addressed is addressed prior to buying, as it should be.”

Logan Gaines differentiates himself in terms of what he brings to the table to go above and beyond for his clients. “I know first hand that in this growing market here in Michigan, there are many realtors, many who will also do a great job. How I differentiate myself is by asking myself one question, how do I like to be sold something? Honesty, and knowledge, and caring about the outcome just as much as my client. This is my commitment.”

Gaines discussed the steps for a new home buyer, “Initially we go through the pre-approval process, this way it saves my clients time and lets everyone know what is possible - assessing factors such as credit and threshold of the purchase price based on what one can afford. We can see if you are better suited for a conventional loan, which is actually relatively difficult to get. Concerning conventional loans, buyers must comply with the rules set by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. A minimum credit score of about 640 is needed to qualify, depending on other aspects as well, such as the loan amount, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors. A debt-to-income under 43% is the threshold, although the debt-to-income requirement may be lower for borrowers with lower credit scores. It is a requirement for a conventional loan that there are no major credit report issues, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure. A down payment requirement of 3% may be the case, or more than 20% if the buyer doesn’t want to buy mortgage insurance.

FHA has more flexible financial requirements. One may qualify for an FHA loan if there is debt or a lower credit score. At times FHA loans are possible even with a bankruptcy or other significant financial issue on a buyer’s record. FHA is a government-backed mortgage product which is designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers, and there are lower minimum credit score and down payment requirements.

VA loans require at least 90 days of active-duty service including at least 30 consecutive days or six creditable years in the National Guard, followed by being discharged honorably or placed on the retired list. There are many benefits for veterans and their spouses, such as a zero down payment, and there is not a private mortgage insurance requirement. These loans also have very competitive interest rates, and relaxed credit requirements, as well as closing cost requirements; there are other benefits as well. Keller Williams has a lending company that we recommend; our contact there can meet with our buying clients at the onset of the process to assess the situation.”

Gaines discussed the risks involved when people just want to buy or sell without enlisting the help of an agent. “It may seem to be a smart move, because you save some money and some people can pull this off, and I applaud them for such a feat, because this is one that isn’t always as easy; however, many whom I know have tried this, and they haven’t expressed happiness with the burden of responsibility required to make sure that all goes smoothly, and oftentimes without a knowledgeable agent on one’s side, it does not go smoothly. Gaines concludes, “Knowledge is truly wealth and I am here to guide people down the road to a very successful home buying experience, and I do the same for my clients who need me to be their listing agent. I provide transparency, knowledge, insight and I care about my clients being happy and well-cared for throughout the entire process.”

“Speaking of the issues that can come up if one chooses to list a home without enlisting the help of a trusted listing agent, “Well, their potential buyer may have some financial obstacles to overcome for example (why buyers benefit from having an agent also, of course). Additionally, there are certain agents who may not want to work with FSBO (For Sale by Owner) listings, or even show these homes to potential buyers because they are concerned about unrealistic expectations, where a home is incorrectly priced. Agents have access to a lot of statistics and additional information which is utilized to assist in assessing a home’s value and to value each home fairly and accordingly.”


Gaines continued, “I just know the value of peace of mind, and smooth transactions where needs are accurately addressed. When I list a home, I make it my mission to sell the home with integrity, and attention to detail. I go through each and every step as to how I will market a person’s home, so that all is upfront and clear. I’m not a salesman, I’m a marketer who is knowledgeable about real estate, and I implement this knowledge to help my clients - both buyers and sellers.” Stating, “When listing a home, in addition to implementing every marketing resource to which I have access, I also go through all of my connections. I can speak with one agent who may be looking for the precise home that my client has for sale, and of course this benefits both the seller and the buyer.”

Concluding, “I want my clients to know that they can have the confidence that I
will address every concern and need for them whether buying or selling, with
knowledge and a true commitment to provide them with the best experience.
Integrity is everything at the end of the day, and I like my work because I get to
help people achieve their goals and dreams, and that is a commitment I take on
seriously and with a lot of passion.

“I’m proud to have your business, you won’t be let down. That is my promise to my clients.”

Logan Gaines can be reached directly by contacting him directly at 248-949-7727 or via email at logangaines@kw.com. Join him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/logangaineskw. The Keller Williams Office is located on 39500 Orchard Road in Novi.


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