We are often asked why a person should use a buyer's agent. Why not just call the agent with the sign in front of the house I want to buy? Well for One that agent doesn't work for you they work for the seller. Hopefully I will be able to answer this more fully in the next few posts.
- Save Time: Without the help of a professional Seattle real estate agent, the search for buying or selling a home can be very time-consuming. A good real estate agent is proficient at sorting through multiple listing properties and finding the results that are tailored to your wants and needs. Agents are subscribers and members of the MLS (Multiple Listings Service). This organization has lists of properties that can be searched by different needs, as well as wants in a home. The listings on the MLS are more detailed and advanced than what is accessible to the general public. By using an agent and having access to the MLS you can save a tremendous amount of time because your agent is better trained to do the looking for you and find the properties that fit your specific needs.
- Get the Keys: Imagine if you actually had to call every seller anytime you wanted to look at a home. You would have to set a time that would be convenient for the seller as well as juggle your schedule to meet the seller's availability to every house you wanted to see. Agents have keys to almost every house that is for sale. Your agent can show you numerous houses in one meeting that meets your schedule.
- Negotiation Experience: A great real estate agent is experienced at negotiating prices and conditions for properties, whether you are buying or selling. The negotiation process is important and can mean the difference between buying your dream home and your second choice. Agents can also give great advice to increase your odds in a competitive bid situation.
- Closing Knowledge: Closing the deal can be a very complicated process with a lot of important details. Using a professional Seattle real estate agent will insure that your closing process is completed correctly and on-time.
Jonathan Martin
The Guide to Seattle Real Estate
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Jonathan - very good post and hopefully buyers will pay attention to "Well for One that agent doesn't work for you they work for the seller." Very important message to get across to buyers. Buyers think that the listing agent might cut their commission to make the deal work.
Have you found the least asked question by buyers is "how will you represent me in a real estate transaction?"
It seems buyers spend more time trying to find the right house, than finding the right agent to represent them.