Why Most Homebuyers Work With The Wrong Agent (And How That Costs Them Thousands)

Look, I'm going to be honest with you about something most agents won't say out loud: most buyer representation in real estate is terrible.

Here's what typically happens (and maybe you've experienced this yourself):

You call an agent from a Zillow listing. They seem nice. They ask "what do you want to see?" You spend four hours on a Saturday looking at eight houses. They send you a few more listings on Sunday. Then... silence. Or worse, you find out they're showing the same houses to five other buyers and you lose out on the perfect home because they didn't prioritize you.

Or maybe you've worked with an agent who just unlocked doors and then disappeared when it came time to negotiate. You had questions about inspections, appraisals, contract clauses—and they were nowhere to be found.

That's not buyer representation. That's tour guide service.

Real buyer representation means someone who's committed to YOUR interests, who understands the Metro Detroit market inside and out, who negotiates like they're spending their own money, and who guides you through every single step of the process without you ever feeling lost or confused.

After 24 years and 8,000+ transactions, I've built a buyer representation system that ensures my clients don't just find a house—they find the right house at the right price with zero surprises along the way.

And it starts with something 90% of agents skip entirely: The Buyer Consultation.

PERFORMANCE METRICS DASHBOARD

• Average Days To Find Right Home | The Perna Team: 21 days | Market Average: 45-60 days | Your Advantage: 50% faster search
• Buyers Who Close After Consultation | The Perna Team: 76% | Market Average: 30-40% | Your Advantage: 90% higher commitment
• Average Negotiated Savings | The Perna Team: $8,400 | Market Average: $2,100 | Your Advantage: $6,300 more savings
• Inspection Issues Identified | The Perna Team: 94% of homes | Market Average: 60% of homes | Your Advantage: Avoid costly surprises
• Failed Transactions (Buyer Protected) | The Perna Team: 3.2% | Market Average: 12% | Your Advantage: 73% fewer failures
• Buyer Satisfaction Score | The Perna Team: 4.9/5.0 | Market Average: 4.1/5.0 | Your Advantage: 20% higher satisfaction
• Repeat/Referral Client Rate | The Perna Team: 67% Market Average: 22% | Your Advantage: 3X more lifetime value

Based on 2022-2024 transaction data across 1,200+ buyer representations

What Is Professional Buyer Representation? (And Why Most Agents Don't Actually Do It)

Professional buyer representation isn't about showing you houses. It's about being your advocate, negotiator, and protector throughout the entire buying process.

Here's what that actually means:

What Most Agents Do (Transaction Coordination):

• Show you houses you found on Zillow
• Write up the offer you tell them to write
• Hope everything goes smoothly
• Collect their commission

What The Perna Team Does (True Buyer Representation):

• Strategic Market Analysis - We analyze comparable sales, days on market, seller motivation, and market trends to position your offer competitively
• Pre-Approval Coordination - We connect you with elite lenders who close on time (we have partnerships with 5-10 top Metro Detroit lenders)
• Exclusive Property Access - We know about pocket listings and pre-market opportunities most buyers never see
• Professional Home Tours - We point out red flags, structural issues, and value indicators you'd never notice on your own
• Aggressive Negotiation - We negotiate not just price, but closing costs, repairs, timelines, and contingencies (our average buyer saves $8,400)
• Inspection Coordination - We schedule and attend inspections, then negotiate repairs based on findings
• Contract Protection - We review every line of every document to ensure you're protected
• Transaction Management - We coordinate with lenders, title companies, inspectors, appraisers, and sellers' agents so nothing falls through the cracks
• Post-Close Support - We're still here after closing with contractor referrals, maintenance advice, and future planning

The difference? One approach treats you like a transaction. The other treats you like a client for life.

The Perna Team Buyer Consultation Process: How We Lock In Success From Day One

Most buyers start looking at houses immediately. That's a mistake.

Because if you don't know the process, don't understand your market position, and don't have a clear strategy—you're going to waste months looking at the wrong houses, lose out on the right houses, and probably overpay when you finally do buy.

That's why we require a Buyer Consultation BEFORE we show you any homes.

This is a 45-60 minute sit-down meeting (at our office, at a coffee shop, or virtually) where we:

Phase 1: Understanding Your Needs (Minutes 1-15)

We dig deep into what you're actually looking for—not just "3 bedrooms, 2 baths" but WHY you're buying, what your lifestyle needs are, what your timeline looks like, and what success looks like to you.

The questions we ask:

• What are you looking for in a home? (Style, size, features, layout)
• What areas are you considering? (Neighborhoods, school districts, commute distance)
• What's your timeline? (30 days? 90 days? 6 months?)
• What's your budget? (Not just max price—comfortable monthly payment)
• Have you been pre-approved yet? (If not, we connect you with our lenders immediately)
• Is there anything that would prevent you from buying in the next 60-90 days? (This is our qualification question—we need to know you're serious)

Why this matters: We're not just gathering information. We're qualifying whether we're a good fit for each other. If you're not ready to buy for 12 months, I'm going to tell you to call me back in 10 months. I'd rather be honest than waste your time.

Phase 2: Explaining The 7-Step Home Buying Process (Minutes 15-35)

This is where most agents fail. They assume you know how buying a home works. You don't. (And that's okay—that's why you hire us.)

We walk you through all seven steps:

• Step 1: Get Pre-Approved - This tells us your buying power and makes you a serious buyer in sellers' eyes. We connect you with lenders who close in 21 days on average (versus the market average of 38 days).
• Step 2: Define Your Criteria - We just did this. Now we know exactly what to look for—and what to ignore.
• Step 3: Search For Homes - We set you up on an automated MLS search so new listings hit your inbox daily. We also send you hand-picked listings that match your criteria. You tell us which ones you want to see.
• Step 4: Tour Homes - We schedule showings (typically 2-3 hour blocks to see 4-6 homes efficiently). During tours, I point out red flags, value indicators, and things to look for that you'd never notice. (I've been doing this 24 years—I can spot foundation issues, roof problems, and electrical concerns from 20 feet away.)
• Step 5: Write A Strong Offer - When you find THE ONE, we write an offer that's competitive but protects you. I walk you through every line of the contract so you understand exactly what you're signing.
• Step 6: Negotiate & Due Diligence - Once the offer is accepted, we coordinate inspections, appraisals, and title work. We negotiate repairs based on inspection findings. We review the appraisal to ensure you're not overpaying. We handle all communication with the seller's agent, lender, title company, and inspectors.
• Step 7: Close! - We review the final closing documents, walk you through the numbers, and attend closing with you. Then you get the keys and move in!

Why this works: You now understand the ENTIRE process. You're not wandering around confused. You know what to expect at every step. And you understand why you need a professional guiding you.

Phase 3: Setting Clear Expectations (Minutes 35-45)

This is where we establish loyalty and commitment.

Here's what we commit to you:

• We'll check in every 3-5 days with new listings
• We'll respond to your calls/texts within 2 hours during business hours
• We'll schedule showings quickly (usually within 24-48 hours)
• We'll be honest with you about pricing, condition, and value
• We'll negotiate aggressively on your behalf
• We'll be available for questions 24/7 during the transaction

Here's what we need from you:

• Commitment to work with us exclusively (via a Buyer Agency Agreement)
• Quick responses when we find something perfect for you
• Honesty about your needs, budget, and concerns
• Trust in our expertise and market knowledge

Phase 4: The Buyer Agency Agreement (Minutes 45-55)

This is where some agents get nervous. Not me.

I require a Buyer Agency Agreement before I show you homes.

Here's why: Real buyer representation requires massive time investment. I'm going to spend 20-40 hours helping you find and buy your home. I'm going to coordinate with lenders, schedule showings, write offers, negotiate repairs, and guide you through closing.

If you're also working with two other agents, I'm not getting paid for that work 67% of the time.

That doesn't work for me. And honestly, it doesn't work for you either—because no agent is going to give you their best effort if they don't know they're actually going to close the deal.

What the agreement says:

• You agree to work with me exclusively for 3-6 months (we can start with 30 days if you prefer)
• In most cases, the seller pays my commission out of the sale proceeds (so this costs you nothing extra)
• If you're unhappy with my service at any point, you can terminate with 24 hours notice (I don't hold anyone hostage)

What it means: You're my priority. I'm all-in on finding you the right home. And you have my complete loyalty and commitment.

Most buyers sign immediately. Because they understand this protects them as much as it protects me.

Phase 5: Next Steps & First Showing (Minutes 55-60)

We wrap up with clear action items:

• I set you up on automated MLS searches
• I send you 5-10 hand-picked listings within 24 hours
• I connect you with my lender (if you're not pre-approved yet)
• We schedule our first showing for this weekend (or whenever works for you)

Then we go to work.

COMPREHENSIVE Q&A: Everything Buyers Ask About Our Process

About The Buyer Consultation

Why do I need a buyer consultation? Can't we just start looking at houses?

You could, but here's what happens when buyers skip the consultation: They look at 15-20 houses over 6-8 weeks, get frustrated because nothing feels right, lose out on homes because they weren't strategically positioned, and either give up or buy the wrong house out of exhaustion. The consultation saves you 3-4 weeks and ensures we're laser-focused on the RIGHT homes from Day 1.

How long does the consultation take?

45-60 minutes. We can meet at our office in Troy, at a coffee shop near you, or do it virtually on Zoom.

Is there any cost for the consultation?

Zero. The consultation is complimentary and there's no obligation.

What should I bring to the consultation?

Just bring questions and an open mind. If you already have a pre-approval letter, bring that too. Otherwise, we'll help you get pre-approved.

About The Buyer Agency Agreement

Why do you require a Buyer Agency Agreement?

Because true buyer representation requires massive time investment, and I need to know you're committed to working with me before I invest 30-40 hours into your home search. It protects both of us—you get my full commitment and priority, and I know I'm not competing with three other agents for your business.

What if I'm not ready to commit to one agent yet?

Then you're not ready to start seriously looking at homes yet. Here's the reality: If you're working with multiple agents, none of them are going to give you their best effort because they don't know if they'll get paid. You'll get mediocre service from everyone instead of excellent service from one dedicated professional. When you're ready to commit to finding your home (not just browsing), give me a call.

What if I find a house on my own or through a friend?

Perfect! If you find a home through Zillow, a friend, or any other source, I'll still represent you in the transaction—writing the offer, negotiating, coordinating inspections, and protecting your interests. The agreement ensures I'm YOUR agent regardless of where the home comes from.

How long is the agreement?

Typically 3-6 months. If you're nervous about committing, we can start with a 30-day agreement so you can see how I work, then extend it if you're happy.

Can I cancel the agreement if I'm unhappy?

Yes. There's a 24-hour termination clause. I don't hold anyone hostage. If you're not thrilled with my service, you can walk away.

Does the Buyer Agency Agreement cost me anything?

In 95% of transactions, no. The seller pays my commission out of the sale proceeds. In rare cases (some FSBOs or certain new construction), we might need to negotiate who pays—but I always discuss that upfront before we look at those properties.

About The Home Buying Process

Do I need to be pre-approved before the consultation?

Not required, but highly recommended. If you're not pre-approved yet, I'll connect you with one of our elite lenders who can get you approved within 24 hours. Without pre-approval, we can't make offers—so it's Step 1.

How many homes will we need to look at before I find the right one?

For my clients who go through the consultation process? Usually 6-10 homes. Because we've already narrowed down exactly what you're looking for, your budget, and your must-haves. Buyers who skip the consultation typically look at 20-30 homes because they're not clear on their criteria.

How quickly can we see homes after the consultation?

Usually within 24-48 hours. Once you tell me which listings you want to see, I coordinate with the listing agents and build a showing schedule. We typically do 2-3 hour blocks where we see 4-6 homes back-to-back.

What happens if I lose out on a home?

We write another offer on another home. In competitive markets (especially Birmingham, Franklin, and Bloomfield Hills), you might need to make 2-3 offers before one gets accepted. That's normal. I'll help you stay competitive while protecting your interests.

How do you help me negotiate the best price?

Through market analysis and strategic positioning. I pull comparable sales data to show you what similar homes have sold for. I assess days on market and seller motivation. Then we craft an offer that's competitive enough to get accepted but protects you from overpaying. After 8,000+ transactions, I know what works.

What if the home inspection reveals major issues?

We negotiate. Either the seller fixes the issues before closing, gives you a credit to fix them yourself, or reduces the price. If they refuse to negotiate and the issues are serious, we can walk away (your earnest money deposit is protected by the inspection contingency).

Do you attend the home inspection with me?

Always. I want to hear the inspector's findings firsthand so I can strategize on what to negotiate and what to let go.

How long does the process take from first showing to closing?

On average, 45-60 days. That breaks down to: 7-21 days to find the right home, 7-10 days for offer acceptance and due diligence period, 30-45 days for the mortgage process and closing.

About Working With The Perna Team

Will I work directly with Michael Perna or with a team member?

For buyers in the $400K+ range or luxury markets (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Franklin), you work directly with me. For other buyers, you might work with one of our 100+ experienced agents who all follow the same consultation-based process and have access to our resources, systems, and support.

What makes The Perna Team different from other agents?

Three things: (1) Our structured consultation process ensures you're never confused or lost. (2) Our 24 years of experience and 8,000+ transactions mean we've seen every scenario and know how to handle it. (3) Our team resources—including lender partnerships, contractor relationships, and transaction coordination support—mean nothing slips through the cracks.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers?

Absolutely. In fact, first-time buyers benefit the MOST from our consultation process because they don't know what they don't know. We walk them through every step, answer every question, and make sure they don't make expensive mistakes.

Do you work with buyers in all price ranges?

Yes. We've helped buyers purchase $125K condos in Hazel Park and $3.5M estates in Bloomfield Hills. The process is the same—the only difference is the complexity of the negotiations and due diligence.

What if I'm relocating to Metro Detroit from out of state?

We specialize in relocation buyers. We can do virtual consultations, send video tours of homes, and coordinate everything remotely until you're ready to fly in for a final showing trip. We'll also connect you with resources for moving companies, schools, and neighborhood information.

Do you help with investment properties?

Yes. We work with both owner-occupant buyers and investors. For investment properties, we analyze rental comps, cap rates, and ROI projections as part of the consultation process.

About Costs & Commissions

How much does it cost to work with you?

In most transactions, nothing. The seller pays my commission out of their sale proceeds. This is standard in Michigan real estate.

What if I'm buying a For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) property?

We discuss commission arrangements upfront before showing you FSBO properties. Typically, we negotiate for the seller to pay my commission as part of the offer terms. If they refuse, we discuss whether you want to pay my commission directly (which is negotiable and disclosed upfront).

What about new construction homes?

Builder commissions vary. Most builders pay buyer's agent commissions (typically 2.5-3%), which costs you nothing extra. A few builders don't—we identify those upfront and discuss how to handle it before you visit the model.

Success Stories: Real Buyers, Real Results

Emily & Jason - First-Time Buyers, Highland Township

The Challenge: Emily and Jason were overwhelmed. They'd been looking at homes for 4 months with another agent but kept losing out to cash buyers or overpaying out of desperation.

The Perna Team Approach: We started with a consultation where we realized they were looking at homes $30K above their comfort zone and competing in multiple-offer situations. We shifted their search to Highland Township where they could get more home for less money and face less competition.

The Result: Found their perfect 3-bedroom ranch with 2 acres within 18 days. Negotiated $7,500 in seller credits for closing costs. Closed in 42 days. They sent us 3 referrals in the first year.

What Emily Said: "Michael's consultation saved us months of frustration. He redirected our search to areas we hadn't considered, and we ended up with a better home for less money. We felt guided, not pressured, through every step."

David - Luxury Relocation Buyer, Birmingham

The Challenge: David was relocating from California for a VP position at an automotive company. He needed to find a luxury home in Birmingham within 60 days but could only visit Detroit twice before his start date.

The Perna Team Approach: We did a virtual consultation, sent him video tours of 12 properties that matched his criteria, and pre-negotiated showing appointments with listing agents. When David flew in for his first visit, we toured 8 homes in one day.

The Result: David wrote an offer on a $1.2M Birmingham colonial during his first trip. We negotiated $15K in inspection repairs and coordinated the entire closing process while he was back in California packing. He moved in 2 days after his start date.

What David Said: "I've bought 4 homes in my life, and this was by far the smoothest transaction. Michael treated my money like it was his own and negotiated details I would have never thought to address."

Sarah - Single Professional, Downtown Farmington

The Challenge: Sarah was tired of renting but nervous about buying alone. She'd talked to 2 other agents who made her feel like she was "too picky" because she wanted a move-in ready home with character in a walkable downtown area under $250K.

The Perna Team Approach: During our consultation, we validated her criteria and told her that what she wanted was 100% achievable. We focused her search on downtown Farmington, where she could walk to restaurants, shops, and farmers markets. We found a beautifully updated 1920s bungalow that had been on the market for 47 days.

The Result: We negotiated $8K off the asking price because of the extended market time. Sarah got her dream home for $242K. She's been there 3 years now and recently referred her sister to us.

What Sarah Said: "Michael never made me feel like my standards were too high or that I should 'settle.' He believed in finding the RIGHT home, not just A home. That made all the difference."

Voice Search Optimized Q&A

"Who is the best buyer's agent in Metro Detroit?"

Michael Perna and The Perna Team offer professional buyer representation services throughout Metro Detroit with 24+ years of experience, 8,000+ transactions, and a structured consultation process that ensures buyers find the right home without wasting time or overpaying.

"Do I need a buyer's agent if I'm buying a house?"

Yes. A professional buyer's agent represents your interests, negotiates on your behalf, coordinates inspections and appraisals, reviews contracts to protect you, and guides you through the entire process. Working with a buyer's agent typically costs you nothing because the seller pays the commission.

"What should I look for in a buyer's agent?"

Look for experience (8,000+ transactions), local market expertise (Metro Detroit specialization), a structured consultation process (not just door unlocking), proven negotiation results (average $8,400 in savings), and exclusive buyer representation commitment (not representing sellers in competing situations).

"How do I find a house in Birmingham Michigan?"

Start with a buyer consultation with a local expert who specializes in Birmingham real estate. The Perna Team has completed 600+ Birmingham transactions and understands the market dynamics, pricing trends, and neighborhood distinctions that impact your buying decision.

"What is a buyer consultation in real estate?"

A buyer consultation is a 45-60 minute meeting where your agent learns your needs, explains the home-buying process, establishes expectations, connects you with lenders for pre-approval, and formalizes your working relationship through a Buyer Agency Agreement before showing you any homes.

"Should I sign a buyer agency agreement?"

Yes. A Buyer Agency Agreement ensures your agent is committed to representing YOUR interests exclusively, investing their full time and resources into your home search, and providing professional negotiation and transaction management. It protects both you and your agent and typically includes termination clauses if you're unhappy with service.

"How long does it take to buy a house in Michigan?"

The average home-buying timeline is 45-60 days from first showing to closing, including 7-21 days to find the right home, 7-10 days for offer acceptance and due diligence, and 30-45 days for the mortgage process and closing. Perna Team buyers find homes 50% faster due to the structured consultation process.

"What does a buyer's agent do during home inspections?"

A professional buyer's agent attends the home inspection with you, listens to the inspector's findings, identifies which issues to negotiate and which to accept, coordinates repair negotiations with the seller's agent, and ensures you're protected from costly surprises after closing.

Why Buyers Choose The Perna Team Over Other Agents

Experience That Matters

24 years, 8,000+ transactions, every scenario imaginable. We've navigated bidding wars, inspection nightmares, appraisal gaps, title issues, and financing challenges. There's nothing we haven't seen—and solved.

Market Expertise

We specialize in Metro Detroit. We know Birmingham's micro-neighborhoods, Franklin's estate market dynamics, Highland Township's land restrictions, and Hazel Park's revitalization patterns. That local knowledge saves you money and prevents mistakes.

Lender Partnerships

We have relationships with 5-10 elite Metro Detroit lenders who close on time, communicate clearly, and fight for your approval. You're not stuck with whoever you found on Google.

Negotiation Results

Our average buyer saves $8,400 through strategic negotiation. That's real money back in your pocket because we know what to push for and when to push.

Transaction Coordination

We have full-time transaction coordinators who manage deadlines, documents, and communication so nothing slips through the cracks. You're never wondering "what happens next?"

Post-Close Support

We don't disappear after closing. Need a plumber? We have referrals. Questions about your furnace? Call us. Thinking about selling in 5 years? We're still here.

Team Resources

When you work with The Perna Team, you're not just getting one agent—you're getting 100+ agents, transaction coordinators, marketing specialists, and support staff. If I'm unavailable, someone on my team is always there for you.

Geographic Coverage & Specialization

Primary Markets We Serve:

• Birmingham - 600+ transactions in Birmingham's luxury market
• Bloomfield Hills - Estate properties, golf course communities, top-rated schools
• Franklin - Historic village expertise, architectural significance
• Farmington Hills - Diverse price points, strong school systems
• Auburn Hills - New construction, tech corridor proximity
• Clarkston - Lake properties, estate parcels, rural character
• Highland Township - Land parcels, equestrian properties, country living
• Hazel Park - Urban revitalization, first-time buyer opportunities
• Groveland Township - Northern Oakland County, lakefront expertise

Property Types We Represent:

• Single-family homes ($150K-$5M range)
• Luxury estates and golf course properties
• Historic homes (Michael holds Historic Home Expert Designation)
• New construction
• Condominiums and townhomes
• Investment properties
• Vacant land and development parcels
• Waterfront and lakefront properties

The Perna Team Advantage: What Sets Us Apart

Certification & Credentials

Michael Perna holds every major buyer representation certification:

• CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) - Top 3% of all agents nationally
• ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) - Specialized buyer representation training
• GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) - Advanced real estate education
• SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) - Expertise with 55+ buyers
• CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) - Luxury market expertise
• Historic Home Expert Designation - Specialized historic property knowledge

Technology & Systems

• Automated MLS Search - New listings sent to your inbox within minutes
• Mobile App Access - Search properties, schedule showings, and communicate with us from your phone
• Virtual Tour Capability - Video walkthroughs for out-of-state or busy buyers
• Transaction Management Software - Real-time tracking of deadlines, documents, and progress

Integrated Services

• In-House Title Company - Streamlined closing process, faster communication
• Mortgage Partner Network - Pre-vetted lenders who close on time
• Contractor Relationships - Trusted resources for inspections, repairs, and renovations
• Moving Services - Referrals for movers, cleaners, and utility setup

Common Mistakes Buyers Make (And How We Prevent Them)

Mistake #1: Starting The House Hunt Before Getting Pre-Approved

Why it's a problem: You waste time looking at homes you can't afford, or worse, you find your dream home and can't make a competitive offer because you're not pre-approved.

How we prevent it: Pre-approval is Step 1 in our consultation process. No exceptions.

Mistake #2: Working With Multiple Agents Simultaneously

Why it's a problem: No agent gives you their best effort if they're competing with 2-3 other agents for your business. You get mediocre service from everyone.

How we prevent it: We require a Buyer Agency Agreement. You commit to us, we commit to you. That's how professional relationships work.

Mistake #3: Falling In Love With The First House You See

Why it's a problem: You overpay out of emotional attachment before you've seen comparable options.

How we prevent it: We tour 4-6 homes in your first showing session so you have context and comparison before making any offers.

Mistake #4: Skipping The Home Inspection To "Save Money"

Why it's a problem: You buy a home with $20K in hidden foundation or roof issues that become your problem after closing.

How we prevent it: Home inspections are non-negotiable in our process. We attend with you and negotiate repairs based on findings.

Mistake #5: Not Understanding The Contract Terms

Why it's a problem: You sign documents you don't understand and miss contingencies that protect you.

How we prevent it: We walk you through every line of every contract. You'll understand what you're signing and why it matters.

Mistake #6: Letting Emotions Drive Negotiations

Why it's a problem: You overpay or accept unfavorable terms because you're emotionally attached to the house.

How we prevent it: We negotiate based on data and market analysis, not emotions. That's why our buyers save an average of $8,400.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pricing, Timeline, Process

What price range of homes do you work with?

All price ranges. We've represented buyers purchasing $125K condos in Hazel Park and $4.5M estates in Bloomfield Hills. The consultation process is the same—the only difference is the complexity of negotiations and due diligence.

Do you charge a retainer or upfront fee?

No. There are no upfront costs, retainers, or consultation fees. We're paid a commission at closing, which is typically paid by the seller out of their sale proceeds.

Can I back out of buying a home after signing a Buyer Agency Agreement?

The agreement is about working exclusively with us—not an obligation to buy a home. If you decide not to buy at all, there's no penalty. If you want to stop working with us, there's a 24-hour termination clause.

What if I change my mind about what I want after the consultation?

That's completely normal. Buyers often adjust their criteria after seeing a few homes. We simply revise our search parameters and keep going. Flexibility is built into the process.

How often will you contact me during the home search?

Every 3-5 days with new listings that match your criteria. If something perfect hits the market, I'll text or call you immediately. You control the pace—if you want more or less communication, just let me know.

Do you work on weekends?

Yes. Most showings happen on weekends because that's when most buyers are available. We typically schedule 2-3 hour showing blocks on Saturday and Sunday.

What if I'm not ready to buy for 6-12 months?

Call me back when you're 60-90 days out. I'd rather be honest than pretend to help you when you're not ready. When your timeline gets closer, we'll do the consultation and start the process for real.

Can my spouse/partner attend the consultation remotely if they can't be there in person?

Absolutely. We can do the consultation on Zoom so both of you can participate, or we can do a hybrid where one person is there in person and the other joins virtually.

Ready To Find Your Home? Start With A Buyer Consultation

If you're serious about buying a home in Metro Detroit—whether it's your first home, your dream home, or your forever home—the first step is simple:

Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation Buyer Consultation.

In 60 minutes, you'll:

• Understand exactly how the home-buying process works
• Get clear on your budget, timeline, and criteria
• Connect with elite lenders for pre-approval
• Learn what to expect at every step
• Decide if we're the right fit for each other

After 24 years and 8,000+ transactions, I can tell you with certainty: Buyers who start with a consultation find the right home faster, negotiate better deals, and have dramatically smoother transactions.

Buyers who skip the consultation? They wander around for months, lose out on homes, overpay when they finally do buy, and wonder why the process was so stressful.

Don't be that buyer.

Contact The Perna Team Today:

• Call/Text: 248-886-4450
• Email: michaelperna@pernateam.com
• Website: [Schedule Buyer Consultation]
• Office: Troy, Michigan

Let's find your home. The right way.