Choose a "Buyers Agent"
Most Buyer Agents (like me) don’t charge a fee for their service. We are paid
by a plan outlined by the Multiple Listing Service. Again, home buyers do not
pay a fee, Buyers representation is free!
Finding the right home is not an easy task. If you are a potential buyer, there
are numerous hurdles to be jumped before you finally find the proper home.
Some buyers like to shop without an agent through "open houses". This
seems like a great idea for the "gathering information" stage of home
shopping. But once you get serious about buying, keep in mind only a few homes
are advertised open houses. Most of the great home values will never be open to
the public! They are sold too quickly! You may be cutting your resources short
by relying on just the newspaper or Internet. I see all properties on my
computer the minute they go on the market through the "Multiple Listing
Service" (MLS), accessible by licensed Realtors only.
My advice is to shop for a Realtor you feel comfortable with, and stick with him
or her exclusively. This way you'll have a dedicated agent who will take on the
personal responsibility of handling all the details of your upcoming home
purchase. If you give your loyalty to one person, you will be rewarded with
results.
Let's look at the tasks that must be performed on your behalf:
•You will need financing advice on the price range you can qualify for.
•Your family's specific needs must be learned so you are shown only those
homes that will suit your needs.
•Appointments must be set and an itinerary established for showings.
•A good Buyers Agent will provide you with all listings available based on
your search criteria, not just a few.
•As you are walking through the homes, your Buyers Agent will point out
current and potential problems with the property. He/She is experienced with the
more common problems in homes. Also, a good buyers Agent will recommend an
"inspection contingency" written on the purchase agreement. Meaning if
the home you decide to buy doesn’t check out... you can void the purchase
agreement.
•Your Buyers Agent will provide you with "Comps" or comparable homes
sold in the area to help base a value on the home you’re making an offer on.
Don’t guess... call your Buyers Agent for "Comps" or you may pay too
much.
•IMPORTANT: Offers must be prepared, explained, and presented on your
behalf. You should be represented in the actual Purchase Agreement contract
writing and negotiating process. Purchase Agreement contracts can sometimes be
very tricky. If you buy your home from the Listing Agent at an open house,
you’re best interests may not be represented! The listing Agent has fiduciary
responsibility to the sellers (He/She will be representing the seller only). You
need an Agent representing your interests... or "Buyers
Representation". Your Buyers Agent will provide you with this very
important representation for free. Again... THIS IS A FREE SERVICE FOR BUYERS.
•Closing documents and final details must be attended to.
•You must be personally represented at the actual closing of the sale.
If you want all these services, find one Buyers Agent and stay with him or her!