Becoming a homeowner is an exciting life step, and one you should prepare for. Making an oversight anywhere in the buying process could cost you more than a new car. While most homes have a listing agent that will help you through the home buying process, their first priority is the home seller. To make sure that your interests are protected, hire a buyer’s agent to represent you.
A buyer’s agent specializes in making sure buyers find the home they’re looking for and catering contracts to legally protect home buyers’ interests. Unlike a listing agent, a buyer’s agent’s first priority is making sure you as the buyer get the best deal for the best home. Here are 8 reasons why you should hire a buyer’s agent.
1. It’s free
As the buyer, you will not have to pay your agent’s commission. It is the seller’s responsibility to pay both the listing agent and buyer’s agent a commission. Basically, you have the opportunity for free representation. Take advantage of it.
2. Market knowledge
A buyer’s agent will know how much the homes you are looking for should cost. They will have experiencing putting together a CMA, or comparative market analysis, so you can also know how the market is behaving.
3. Know what to look for in homes
Because a buyer’s agent regularly helps buyers find homes, she will have an experienced eye when attending walkthroughs. Tell-tale signs of damage or modifications will stand out to buyer’s agent and she will pass that information to you. Armed with what the buyer’s agent’s trained eye has noticed, you’ll be able to make an informed choice.
4. Local listing agent contacts
The best way to get the best deal on a house is to know about it before it hits the market. Buyer’s agents use their network of listing agents to locate homes that match your needs. Some will also be able to draw from their company’s research tools. First Team agents, for example, have access to a proprietary technology called SNEAKPREVIEW℠, a listing for homes that are not yet listed in the multiple listing service (MLS).
5. Emotional filter
Buying a home is an understandably emotional time. Having an agent who is not emotionally attached to the purchase will ensure you have a voice of reason when you fall in love with a home’s layout and don’t notice a decaying roof. Your buyer’s agent will also help you make sure you find the home you need instead of getting side tracked by wants.
6. Knowledge of real estate contract writing
Entering into a real estate contract is legally binding and not to be taken lightly. A buyer’s agent has written and reviewed purchase agreements before. She will make sure that it includes contingencies in the right places to allow you to walk away from the contract to purchase if you are not satisfied.
7. Help you understand financing options
Finding the best mortgage for your situation is the key to being a successful homeowner. It could mean the difference between being able to afford your mortgage payments and finding yourself underwater or foreclosed. Your buyer’s agent will be able to not only explain each financing option to you but also help you find a great lender.
8. Professional negotiation
Regardless of your price point, negotiation is going to factor into buying a home. Since most homes are listed with a listing agent experienced in negotiating, you want to make sure your financial interests are equally represented in the negotiations. Aside from straightforward negotiations, buyer’s agents employ certain tricks like offering or receiving concessions to make sure you come out ahead or happy, depending on the current market’s behavior.
Protecting yourself against any unseen problems with your future home and to make sure you get the best deal on the best house is top priority for the buyer’s agent you hire. Don’t make the mistake of entering into a contract without a professional to guide you through the nuances. Find your own personal guide at FirstTeam.com or reach out and we'll match you with a top agent in your neighborhood.
