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To Buyers: Use an Agent to Represent Your Interests

I direct this post at those of you out there who might be thinking about buying a home but aren't sure if you need the services of an agent.

Buyer representation is very important for a few reasons. A buyer's agent will save you time and gas, they can find more homes than you might be able to on your own, they can negotiate with the listing agent, and they can guide you through the complex transaction that follows the choosing of your home.

The reason I bring this up is that recently I have spoken with a few buyers who have been under the assumption that a buyer's agent would cost them something, and therefore wasn't worth their time. To the contrary, the sellers pay out the commissions so you are basically getting all the help without paying a price.

Furthermore, you want someone representing your interests when you are negotiation with a seller who has their interests represented by their agent. Their agent will not look out for you even though they might say they will. They have a fiduciary responsibility to their seller, and that's it.

So when the time does come for you to buy a home, know that you can have someone on your side throughout the transaction and it won't cost you the commission.

Posted by Nathan Blair - Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate on 07/28/2007 11:19 AM

Comments (8)

home buyers, buyers agent, home sellers

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8 Comments on To Buyers: Use an Agent to Represent Your Interests

Well said.

And Buyers don't forget to bring a Realtor with you to new construction homes and homes that are by-owner.

Kim

07/28/2007 11:26 AM

by Kim Zajan -- Oviedo FL Real Estate (Prudential Florida WCI Realty)

very good blog

07/28/2007 12:08 PM

by Ginger Magoon, College Station, Texas Real Estate (RE/MAX Bryan College Station Texas)

SO true! I try to get buyers to understand this all of the time.

07/28/2007 05:12 PM

by David Slavin, ABR RE/MAX Grand - Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand)

Great post! Sometimes I think the buyers really do not know how real estate works! They are afraid they will have to pay us a fee!

07/28/2007 08:45 PM

by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)

This is so true! It's funny that people think they will suddenly have the knowledge to guide themselves through the buying process. When they try to do it themselves they realize that not having someone "up to bat" for them wasn't such a good idea after all.

07/28/2007 10:22 PM

by Pamela Williamson St.Louis, Missouri Real Estate (Hall Realty Group, LLC)

I just saved a buyer client $20,000 by carefully negotiating the price through three counter offers. When buyers want to come in with a low-ball offer, it's important to have a Realtor who presents the offer well and ushers the price negotiations along. Sometimes the buyer's agent personally presenting the offer to the sellers, maintaining positive relationships with the listing agents, or attaching a personal letter can go a long way.

Sandy

07/29/2007 01:44 AM

by Sandy Nelson Realtor - Olympia, WA (Riley Jackson Real Estate Inc.)

Good post. Some buyers do not realize the importance of buyer agency.They would rather go with 10 agents and see houses.

07/29/2007 06:37 AM

by GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors)

I agree with the foregoing.

I also want to add that I will not do a dual agency. I want my clients to be represented and I want to be sure everyone is represented not just a facilitator. Finally, I do not want to be put in the position of not being able to negotiate nor knowing what one side will do and what the other will take... not win-win. Besides you look awfully stupid and greedy (you are) in court!

07/29/2007 09:43 AM

by Perrin Cornell, ABR (Windermere RE/NCW)

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