Alabama Real Estate Consumer Questions - What Does It Cost To Use A Buyer's Agent?

Such a great question to answer Ann as we get asked this all the time!!!  Now when you get that question all you need to do is email them this link!!

Ann - Its funny to me that this is such a mis-understood detail about real estate buyer's agents. By the way, I love your Google Me button at the bottom of your blog!

It is so important for a buyer to be represented separately from the listing agent.  As you say, the listing agent is naturally going to lean towards the person who is paying his or her fee.

Hey Ann,

This is great information! I remember when my mother and I were helping a client find a new space for their business in Queens we suggested a "buyers Agent" because the original agent they had working for them was a listing agent.  They did not really look out for their best interest and that cost them time and money.  But once helped with the "Buyers agent", things went their way :)

Hi Ann,  I just had this conversation with a prospect today. He is an investor and wants to buy an REO that is $21,000 below the cost of the land.  This is a huge red flag and told him so.  He didn't want to work with a buyer's agent because he wants to have access to the seller.  I explained how having access to the seller's agent does not give him access to the seller.  I doubt if the seller's agent has access to the seller, they are working with an asset manager. Some people you can lead to the water.....

Ann, I guess I'm still a little surprised that many people still think it will cost them to work with a buyers agent or have representation.  By continually getting the word out like you have that will change along with many other myths.

I don't like that word "free" on either side of the transaction only because we work so hard I think people need to eliminate free when associating it with Realtors.  I understand where you are coming from but in all reality, are the homes increased some so the seller doesn't take the entire hit.  Even though it's not supposed to be that way, in my experience it always seems that way.  In any event, I hear where you are coming from and I am still amazed in this world of fast paced technology that people still don't get this.  I sometimes forget when I am representing a first time buyer or renter that this is all unfamiliar territory for them.  Sorry, Ann, I didn't mean to ramble on, I seem to be on a rampage this morning, forgive me. :)  I love your posts and I'm so glad you wrote this one, as it is reminding me before I go to the office this morning to remember that most people are really not aware that the commission is paid by the seller. :) Gail

Ann...What a great question for Home Buyers ... 1st time home buyers and even repeat buyers need that explained to them ...Thank You

"How much will this cost me?" is the biggest misconception people have about hiring a buyer's agent. If NAR spent as much time getting this message out there instead of telling people "Now is a great time to buy", we wouldn't have to keep reminding the public that it doesn't cost them anything to hire a buyer's agent.

It’s a constant battle to educate the public about why hiring a buyer’s agent doesn’t cost them anything. Too many even think that if they use the listing agent, they’ll save that buyer’s agent fee. Instead, all they are doing is compromising their situation because they don’t have someone dedicated to working solely in their best interests.