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Are YOU a SMART home buyer?

The Smartest thing you can do
is find a Professional Buyer's Agent
to Represent you.

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Just a few years ago there was only one type of real estate professional serving the home buying public.  They were Seller's Agents (Listing Agents).

The problem was that most Buyers were unaware that they were dealing with an agent that was bound by contract to do everything possible to protect the Seller and obtain the most favorable price and terms for the Seller --  they thought the agent was working for them. 

While ALL licensed real estate agents are required to treat all parties fairly and honestly, they have a fiduciary responsibility to their "client" - the seller.  They are REQUIRED to protect their client's interest and obtain the most favorable terms for their client.  The buyer is not their "client".

A Buyer's Agent - has a fiduciary responsibility to their "client" - the buyer.  They are bound by contract to do everything possible to protect their client - the buyer.  Only with a Buyer's Agent can the Buyer be assured of getting the the best service and counseling throughout the buying process.

How Much Will it Cost To Have My Own Buyer's Agent?

Nothing! ... Typically, the SELLER pays his Listing Agent a commission and, in turn, the Listing Agent pays a percentage of the sales commission to the Buyer's Agent.  There is no commission paid by the buyer ... but it will probably cost you money if you DON'T have a buyer's agent to assist you.

Buying a home is a major purchase and one you should not do without guidance.  We do everything we can to help make your home buying experience as simple and enjoyable as possible -- We can help save you time, frustration and ... money! 

Since the Buyer's agent's services are essentially FREE to you, why would you choose NOT to have a Buyer's Agent?

Suppose that you call the Realtor who is listing the property you drive by and want to see.  It turns out that the house is absolutely perfect and affordable and you want to make an offer.

Do you want the same agent who represents the seller to also represent you?

When you make an offer to buy a house, you are entering a negotiation. The seller wants as high a price as possible and the buyer wants the lowest price possible. Plus, there is more to buying a house than just settling on a price.  If a Realtor works with both seller and buyer, the agent becomes more of a transaction facilitator than an agent working actively on behalf of either the buyer or seller.

You must keep in mind that there are times when the transaction may become complicated.  The listing agent may choose to represent only the seller and that would leave you without your own advocate.

The Crux of the Matter

Most real estate transactions go fine, but almost every one has a challenge or two.  These challenges are often routine, but sometimes not.  Because the agent has divided loyalties, one side or another may doubt where those loyalties truly lie.  Mistrust develops.  This can take a small problem and blow it way out of proportion.  At that point it becomes a crisis.

Having an agent on your side as your advocate removes the mistrust and helps keep things on an even keel.  If a challenge develops, you know where your agent stands.  Plus, the buyer doesn't have to pay his agent - all commissions are paid from the seller's proceeds. 

Be a SMART buyer.  Get you own agent.

Finding Your Realtor by "Accident"

When someone decides it is time to sell their home, they interview several Realtors from different companies to determine which one is best for them. They want someone who will represent them and someone they feel will do an effective job at marketing their home. However, when someone decides to buy a home, they usually end up with their Realtor through sheer accident.

Why don’t more home buyers search for a Realtor the same way that home sellers do?

Listing Agents and Selling ("buyers") Agents

You see, there are two "sides" to every sale.  The seller's side is represented by the listing agent.  The buyer's side is represented by the selling agent, or buyer's agent.  Selling agents (buyer’s agents) do not usually list very many homes for sale. They deal mostly with homebuyers. Selling agents "sell" the homes that are placed in the Multiple Listing Service by the listing agents.

Most agents concentrate primarily on one side or the other.  This is not a "hard and fast" rule.  There are also agents who split their time equally between buyers and sellers.  The fact of the matter is, if you are buying a home who do you want on your side?  A Realtor who deals primarily with sellers?  Or one who deals mostly with buyers? 

Call Nance on her cell phone @ 512-826-7609

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