Most people are familiar with listing agents and what their roles is in a real estate transaction. However buyer's agents are not always as well known and their role is sometimes not as clearly understood as it should be. And, that is why, today, I am writing about buyer's agents and why you should consider having one on your side. If you're in the home buying market, you'll want to read this for sure. If you need help locally with the Emerald Isle, North Carolina real estate market—contact the Emerald Isle, NC real estate expert — me!! — by phone — 919-308-2292 or by email: DRaczkowski@fathomrealty.com.
1. If you're a first-time home buyer.
Home buying is a complicated business that requires a fair amount of expertise and you get that expertise when you hire a buyer's agent who manages these transactions every day. Most buyers also want the reassurance and you get that reassurance that comes with getting help from a buyer's agent. Using a buyer's agent can give you the protection, the representation, the confidence and the guidance the get you to the closing. You are a fool not to enlist the expertise of a buyer's agent.
Real estate agents traditionally represent the seller, not the buyer, and they get a percentage of the sale price. Therefore, it's in their interest (and the seller's) to set as high a price as possible. The higher the sale price, the higher the agent's take-home pay. This system works wonderfully when you're the seller, but it's not always the best arrangement for the buyer. A buyer's agent helps tilt the transaction back toward balance by giving the buyer a professional representing his or her interests. And the help you get is not just about the money. Seller's agents will do everything within the bounds of the law to get you to buy a house. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's their job. A buyer's agent will help you get a more realistic picture of the home, the neighborhood, and the price you should pay.
2. If you're building new and working directly with the home builder.
When you buy new construction, the home's builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder's agent. In fact when you walk into a builder's office everyone you're going to be talking to and dealing with is on Team Builder. You definitely are going to want someone representing you and your interests. After all, the job of the builder's agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling so their agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down. Do you need any more reason to have a Buyer's Agent represent you for this very important transaction?
3. If you want premium access to what's on the market.
A buyer's agent can help you by finding listings and touring houses with you. Agents give you access to more listings, including those that are For Sale By Owner or some which are not yet on the market but soon will be. They can be a great resource when it comes to doing a lot of the leg work and research you'd otherwise have to do on your own, which can be very time consuming. A buyer's agent is a wealth of local knowledge and be readily available to give you the information you need.
4. If you want someone representing your best interests in a real estate transaction.
When you decide to look for a new home, you have three choices of how to go about your search. You can do it yourself, looking for "For Sale" signs and listings in the paper or online; you can call the listing agent of a property you like; or you can hire a buyer's agent. The downside to doing it yourself is that you might not find the best properties if you don't know where to look, and the problem with a listing agent is that he always has the seller's best interest at heart.
Meanwhile, buyer's agents have your best interests in mind and keep everything you tell them confidential. Your buyer's agent would be able to negotiate prices for you, make sure that the property is inspected before you buy it and ensure that you have any representation you need. They're able to show you houses that are for sale by the owner, and not just houses being marketed by real estate agents.
A buyer's agent can also help you when it comes to recommending services you’ll need. An agent can connect you with mortgage lenders, home inspectors and other professionals you may need to work with.
Bottom line, you should NEVER buy a house on your own. You need representation, the representation that only a Buyer's Agent can provide. Worried about the cost? Well, this is the best part....The Seller pays my compensation.
So, when you get ready to buy a home in Emerald Isle, NC or anywhere on the Crystal Coast, you better call or text me at 919-308-2292 or email me at: DRaczkowski@fathomrealty.com.
Comments