When buying a home, you DO need a buyer's agent!

Now, I don't want you to think I'm picking on discount brokers.  They serve a slice of the real estate market, and offer a service that some people want.  But here's what has me scratching my head.  A local discount broker is putting this heading on property listings:

**BUYERS---BUY THIS HOME THRU <AGENCY NAME> AND RECEIVE $1500--NO NEED TO HAVE A BUYER AGENT**

Well, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer -- do you REALLY want to go into you largest purchase ever without the benefit of someone looking out for your best interests?  Do you really think that trusting your position to the seller's agent is going to get you the best deal?  Did it cross your mind that you might be spending more than you should have on your home -- in order to cover that $1,500 "rebate"?

Now I do have to let you know that Pennsylvania is a dual agency state -- meaning that one agent can represent both sides of a transaction.  But a real estate transaction is something that is best served by having two masters -- one agent for each party.

Please, Mr. & Mrs. Buyer -- think logically.  Your own agent will shepherd the transaction through to a successful conclusion.  Through offers, negotiations, inspections and more.  Your buyer's agent is going to be worth so much more to you than a $1,500 rebate.

So, yes, you DO need to have a buyer's agent!  And if you want a good one, give me a call.

 

Richard Strahm
Realtor, ABR, SFR, SRES
REMAX Realty Group
439 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438

Direct: (215) 853-2624
Office: (215) 256-1200 x-223
Fax: (215) 529-8931

Email:  Richard@RichardStrahm.com

www.RichardStrahm.com

PA Lic # RS310765

Copyright © 2010-2011 Richard Strahm.   All rights reserved worldwide.

 
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12 Comments on Yes, you DO need a buyer's agent!

JUL
14
2010
109,882 Points 8 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Richard,  That seems like a tactic that will not serve that broker well in the long run.  95% of real estate transactions involve 2 cooperating brokers...having a reputation of being "cooperative" would serve all agents well for continued growth and success.  Encouraging dual agency and alienating the co-broke seems like a poor business decision.  IMNSHO.
8:56pm • #1
439,958 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Richard~  Most buyers are smarter than that!  I would think they would see through it! But, then again, who knows?
9:00pm • #2
215,262 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jenna - Yes, I agree with you!  I see it as a discount broker who gives away most of the listing commission trying to prop up his profit margin.
9:00pm • #3
215,262 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Vickie - I think a lot of first time buyers wouldn't know any better . . .
9:01pm • #4
135,116 Points

Richard,

 I am also an ABR and I agree with your post.  I would like to see more information thru the media, social networks etc. that better explain to the public what agency is, heck for that matter I think agency still confuses the agents sometimes.  I have presented the agency before at the first face to face meeting with a new customer and the person says I have seen homes before but no one has ever asked me to sign anything.  I believe reprsentation is the best for a buyer. 
9:13pm • #5
257,100 Points 30 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

We need more blogs about professional development within the industry posted to localism...Now thats an idea.
9:19pm • #6
630,441 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Richard, Missouri is a dual agency state as well.  I complete many sales representing the buyer and seller.  Having the ABR designation is something every agent should use. 
10:06pm • #7
311,248 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Washington is a dual agency state and I wouldn't represent both sides on a bet. No mater how many times agents tell me it's possible, it just isn't possible for me. I'll write the offer for a buy on one of my listings anytime the buyer wants, but the buyer signs a non-agency agreement and takes the paperwork to an attorney.
11:06pm • #8
JUL
15
2010
106,902 Points 4 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Hi Richard, We see this alot in Florida with big developments. The sales office handles all transactions (or most) with the same sort of sales pitch. jay
12:27am • #9
816,148 Points 243 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

People who choose to work with an agent solely because of a rebate and not because they add value to the service are penny wise and pound foolish. Rebates can be dwarfed by mistakes or negotiation shortcomings of far higher dollar amounts. 
12:34am • #10
1,547,888 Points 281 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Massachusetts is a dual agency state also....my team members are listing agents....we always represent the seller....always....we are prepared to co broke every listing and we prefer it that way....it's a cleaner deal....we make it known that the buyer has the right to use a buyers agent and we will co broke....sometimes they do and sometimes they don't....their choice.
1:32am • #11
1,003,360 Points 117 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey, I have one of those!!  And great voice of reason on what ABR -- and even EBA -- makes a good way to go for the buyer!
5:11pm • #12


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Richard Strahm -- Lansdale and North Penn Real Estate (RE/MAX Realty Group - Harleysville, PA) Rainmaker_large

Richard Strahm -- Lansdale and North Penn Real Estate

Lansdale, PA

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RE/MAX Realty Group - Harleysville, PA

Address: 439 Main Street, Harleysville, PA, 19438

Office Phone: (215) 256-1200 x 223

Cell Phone: (215) 527-5846

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