Five Reasons Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent

One of the biggest mistakes a homebuyer can make is not picking the right buyer’s agent. The home buying process takes time, you want someone that you can be open and honest with. Try to pick someone who you can trust fully and that you feel comfortable leaning on. 

Most houses are sold with the help of an agent representing the seller. You may be thinking that going directly to the listing agent will give you the best chance at your offer getting accepted on the house, unfortunately, that’s not the case. Their job is to protect the interests of the seller. Their main goal is to get the most money for their seller as they can. As a buyer, it’s critical that you make sure your interests are protected. You can do that by selecting the right buyer’s agent for you. 

Wondering why you need to select a buyer’s agent before you start searching? Let’s break down the five biggest reasons. 

1. It’s Free. Yes, all of the home buying services are paid for by the home seller. Typically, the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent will split the commission on the sale of a home. The only time that this isn’t the case is during a For Sale By Owner if the owner refuses to pay the agent fee. This is rare but you can always work with your agent to deduct their commission from what you offer the seller. Why would you not want an expert on your side, especially when it won’t cost you a thing? Their expertise can save you lots of time and money during the home buying process, so even better than free.
    
2. They Understand the Market and Neighborhood. The housing market can change almost daily and by neighborhood. It’s critical to make sure that your agent is familiar with the area you’re looking in. These years of expertise can really make a difference when it comes time to make an offer, especially if there are multiple offers. A knowledgeable agent puts you in the best position to get your offer accepted. Knowing the neighborhood is just as critical when looking for a new home. The house itself might be perfect but is the city or neighborhood the right fit for your family? This is especially important if you have children. 
    
3. They Have Experience Writing Real Estate Contacts. Even if you’ve purchased a home before, having an expert on your side that knows how to navigate through a contract will save you so much time and stress. A common reason why a purchase offer is rejected is because the real estate contract is poorly written. When multiple offers are coming in on each house, the stakes are even higher.  Your agent will even give you advice on what to offer. Before you write the contract, they will research the home and the area. They will know what comparable homes in the area have sold for and what amenities will impact the overall value of the property.
     
4. They Know People. Whether it’s a good inspector or the best local movers, your agent has connections. They can truly be your guide through this home buying process. One of the best questions to ask a potential agent is if they have recommended service providers in the area. 
    
5. They Know What to Look For. Most realtors have been doing this for a while. They know what questions to ask to help you narrow your search and find your dream home faster. A good buyer’s agent also has a keen eye, that means when touring a house they can help point out things that an inspector might find. This helps eliminate bad surprises farther down the line. 

Buying a house is exciting but it’s also one of the largest purchases, make sure you have someone you trust on your team.