Why Every
Homebuyer
Should Use A Buyers Agent
Just as your family physician would refer you to a cardiac
specialist if you needed open-heart surgery, the real estate
industry has evolved to where home buyers are well
advised to seek out a specialist who will actively work on
their behalf.
To find a home, buyers often look on an MLS Internet site,
in the newspaper, or simply do "drive bys." Buyers
will then usually call the Realtor whose name is on the sign
or in the ad.
BEWARE: The Agent you would deal with
is usually the agent or sub agent of the seller, and is
obligated to get the best price & terms for the seller - not you! Also, they are not likely to tell you about other
homes that may be better than their listing. You are
really on your own.
What is a Buyer’s Agent?
A Buyer Agent is your advocate. They represent only your interest
and owe their loyalty and trust only to you. What are the benefits of Exclusive Buyer Representation?
- Loyalty – The Buyer’s Agent must act in
your best interest
- Obedience - The Buyer’s Agent must follow lawful
instructions
- Disclosure of all material facts - Seller's financial
condition, Property's true worth, Legal effect of important
contract provisions,
and more
- Confidentiality - All discussions, facts, or information
- Accounting - Reporting where earnest money is placed
- Reasonable skill and care - From assistance on purchase price to discovering material facts and
disclosing them to the buyer
What services does a Buyers Agent provide you?
- Help you identify the most important features for your new
home
- Create a profiled search to help find your special home
- Show you available homes
- Point out the property's features
- Assist in narrowing your choices for your new home
- Provide financing information
- Assist you in structuring your offer and/or counter offer
- Accompany you to a smooth closing and coordinating all details
- Lastly, your agents loyalty and trust during and
after the sale
But that's not all. As your representative, a Buyer's Agent
will share valuable and essential information with you if the
agent knows it, such as:
- Whether the seller would accept a lower price
- The seller's reason for selling and timetable
- How long the home has been on the market
- Previous offers and counteroffers for the property
- Strengths and weaknesses of the property
Most important for many buyers, you can ask a Buyer's Agent
for advice and assistance in setting your offering price and
structuring the other terms of your offer. You'll
have peace of mind knowing an advocate is working on your behalf.
Who Needs a Buyer's Agent?
If you want to make sure you buy smart, you need a Buyer's
Agent. If you're a first-time buyer, if you're relocating
or unfamiliar with the market, or if you're
buying for investment and want negotiating help, you'll be best served by
a
Buyer's Agent who puts your interests first.
Can a Seller's Agent Help Me Buy?
Without a Buyer's Agent, you're really on your own. The Seller's Agent is working for the seller and cannot
disclose information not in the best interest of the seller
such as what price
and terms the seller would accept. As a buyer, you should not
disclose to the Seller's Agent any
information that could be used against you.
What Will a Buyer's Agent Cost Me?
Not a penny. The seller pays your fee through the commission
their agent shares with your agent. A Buyer's Agent can guide you each
step of the way to prevent costly errors such as failure to find
out about property defects, the actual value of
the property, or
failure to negotiate a contract properly.
Is it true that a Seller or Builder will discount the price
of the home if I don't have an agent?
This is a common misconception. The Brokerage fee (or commission
agreement) is a totally separate agreement than the sales price
of a home. The commission structure doesn't change even if
the sale price of the house is at a lower price.
The listing office receives the same commission rate, just
at a lower price.
The Bottom Line
If you want an agent to fully represent your best interests,
if you want help evaluating a property, if you want someone
to negotiate to get you the best price and the best terms,
you'll want to enlist the aid of a Buyer's
Agent.
What do I have to sign to receive this representation?
It's called an Exclusive Buyers Agency Agreement. The time
frame for representation is negotiable. So once I sign this agreement I get exclusive representation
from start to finish it will probably cost me nothing?
Yes. If you are serious about buying a
home, you need serious representation to find one. This agreement
is the best way to accomplish your home buying goal.
Why should I Choose Watkins Realty Group?
At Watkins Realty Group, our experienced Buyer Specialists will help you find the best home and negotiate the best price. Here's why Watkins Realty Group is the best choice to help you buy your home:
- We are Dedicated to YOUR Best Interests
- Enjoy Our Buyer Automatic Update System
- We Provide a Comparative Market Analysis
- Receive Personal Service
- Get Expert Consulting
- Save time and money with one-stop resources
- Commitment to Customer Satisfaction!
Learn more our San Diego Buyer’s Agents, and why Watkins Realty Group is the best choice to help you buy your home.
For more information or to speak with a Buyer's Specialist, you may email or call us and we will be happy to assist you. Or you may fill out the EASY 1-2-3 form below and
well get back with you promptly.
|