Why You Need To Hire A Buyer Agent First - Lancaster PA Realtor Information

Virtually every other day I interact with prospective home buyers who are in the early stages of researching properties (usually online) and reaching out for more info on a property. To anyone in this stage, let me give you some advice you won't see or hear in most places:

HIRE A BUYER AGENT FIRST

The process of real estate buying usually involves you (as a buyer) eventually hiring an agent to write the offer for you and move forward. All too often, however, buyers wait and wait before taking the step of engaging an agent. Do not do this - the first thing you should do is research knowledgeable and good communicating agents in your area (my area is of course the greater Lancaster PA real estate market) and meet with some. The goal is to have a buyer agent as you are "shopping' for homes to use as an information source. Why?

The biggest reason is that any seller's agent you talk to (the ones with the sign in the yard) does NOT have any legal obligation to keep your personal information confidential - in fact, they do have a legal obligation to divulge your comments and info to the seller of the house...their client. It makes no sense at all to go around calling seller agents and asking them questions about their listings - it'll inevitably lead to a personal conversation on your part. This reason alone should be enough to convince you to "get professional help" first rather than trolling the internet without a net. 

Here are some other reasons:

a) You only need to address questions to one person, who will in turn use their industry contacts to get the answers for you fast.
b) You can deflect the sales pitch of all the other agents you talk to at open houses, etc. by directing them to "your agent"
c) Your agent will (should) have extensive local knowledge in your preferred area, and be able to give you any "insider info" on properties etc.
d) Buyer agents are free - the seller of the home you ultimately buy pays the commission.

Do the smart thing and hire a buyer agent to represent you - and do it first. Then you'll at least have one friend in the business on YOUR side!

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(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan