If you’re in the market to buy a property, you need a Buyer’s agent that will work for you with your best interests in mind. Your Buyer’s Agent is an Agent who represents you throughout all phases of the buying process, saving you time and money along away.
A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying transaction and will be there to address any questions or concerns. A buyer’s agent will:
- Help you to identify properties that best fit your overall wants and needs, explaining the ins and outs of various properties and neighborhoods to help you decide which home is right.
- Negotiate offers, advising clients on an appropriate price to offer the seller’s agent. They will then negotiate on your behalf, generating and presenting the contracts for you.
- Recommend other reliable professionals such as mortgage brokers, attorneys, home inspectors and movers.
- Help overcome setbacks, such as those that may arise with a home inspector’s report or the appraisal. When issues are detected, they can act as a buffer between you and the sellers, offering productive solutions particularly if the negotiations become heated.
Finding the Right Agent
Working with the right agent means finding the right agent. A good buyer’s agent will make the path to homeownership easier, whereas a bad one can make the trip pretty bumpy and unpleasant. While two-thirds of home buyers choose the first buyer’s agent they happen to stumble across, it’s important to do your research and interview a few before selecting one.
It’s helpful to ask these questions:
- What neighborhoods do you specialize in? You want a buyer’s agent that is very familiar with the areas you have an interest in.
- What does your schedule and availability look like? Part-time agents may do an OK job, but they may not be available when you need them. A full-time agent is ready at a moment’s notice will be the most readily reachable.
- How long have you been a real estate agent? Look for someone with at least two years of experience, backed by a proven track record of buying and selling homes for their clients.
The Contract
Once you have agreed to work with a particular buyer’s agent, you will be asked to sign a contract known as a Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement . This agreement outlines the agent’s services, scope of representation and compensation (AKA commission), asking you to agree that they will act as your sole representative. This means your Buyer Agent is your sole and exclusive agent.
Your agent should then set you up with Multiple Listing Service alerts on properties in your area that you may be interested in, and that match your price range. Once you see a property that you would like to explore further, your Agent will schedule a showing to view the home.
Contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties
Need a buyer’s agent? Get in touch with the professionals at Berkshire Hathaway. You may not do this every day, but our agents do!