One of the biggest reasons that I was drawn to real estate is because I have always loved the thrill of the house hunt. I love following the real estate market, the trends and pricing, keeping an eye on new listings, and playing matchmaker between people and houses. And come on, of course I love seeing and touring lots of homes. Therefore, it should be of no surprise that I invest a good portion of my time working with buyers…as a buyer’s agent.
If you are like most people, you may not be familiar with the idea of a buyer’s agent as you first jump into your house hunting adventure. You likely begin searching on popular real estate websites and simply click a link for more info and BAM you get connected to a real estate agent. And as you begin the process, most buyers (especially first timers) simply see any agent as “an agent”. And yes, all agents are agents, but what you need to be asking is who’s agent are they…who are they in relationship with and who do they represent? Do they represent the seller or do they have an interest in representing you as a buyer?
So, let’s flip perspectives for a minute and talk about sellers. When a seller lists their home, they seek an agent to market their home and ultimately get it sold for the best price and the best terms to benefit the seller. When the house is listed for sale with this listing agent/broker, the seller and agent/broker enter into a contractual relationship. Under that contract the agent/broker is pledging fiduciary duty (loyalty) to the seller. Meaning they will provide any info to the seller they obtain about a potential buyer. They will keep the seller’s personal information strictly confidential (reasons for selling, how much they need to get out of the house, etc). They will negotiate and fight for the benefit of the seller. Basically their allegiance is to the seller…even if they are also working directly with a buyer for that same home.
So now, put yourself back in the shoes of the buyer. How do you feel about that seller having such loyal and dutiful representation? Wouldn’t you like that for yourself on the buying end? Someone to pledge loyalty to you and look out for your best interests, to dig up anything they can about the property or seller that the listing agent is unable and unwilling to share, to negotiate and fight on your behalf? Of course you would! Especially when you don’t pay extra to attain your own representation. Yes, your buyer’s agent will work their butt off for you and deserve a pay check. But the beauty of it is, the commission is paid by the seller at a rate determined when they list that property with their agent/broker. Right from the beginning, that seller understands that they will be paying commission to accommodate both listing and selling brokers. Why wouldn’t you seek out a buyer’s agent when the seller is paying for your opportunity to do so?
When I work with you as a buyer’s agent, you and I become a team. We work together closely to find the right home to fit your needs. Once you find that home, I coach and assist you in submitting an offer that has the best chance of acceptance. Current market conditions have properties moving to and from the market very quickly and multiple offers on a single property are very common. This is where my experience and shared strategies can help put you at an advantage to win the deal. Then once we have an accepted offer, I continue by your side as we go through the process of inspections, working with the mortgage lender, and more until we finally sit down at the closing table to sign the papers and receive the keys to your new home. Through the entire process, it would be my duty to represent you, assist you, look out for your best interests and advocate for you. And you can have confidence in knowing that I have earned the destination of Accredited Buyer’s Representative by the National Association of Realtors.
I encourage you to take a further look around my site, learn more about me and read the testimonials (there are even more throughout the site). If you think we would make a good home buying team, I would be excited to go to bat and work for you.
For more info on my ABR designation, visit my post: I Am Your Accredited Buyer’s Representative.
