I Don’t Need A Real Estate Agent-I Will Just Call The Name On The Sign.
I am sure a lot of people have this mind set. But do they realize how dangerous this is?
The listing agent whose name is on the sign represents the seller. They want the most money they can get for that home and for their client. So if you call that agent, and they show you the home, and when you say….”what is the least amount they are going to take for this home?” They are going to tell you the list price. That is their job! They represent the home owner trying to sell that home.
Same thing when you go to a new home development and talk to the sales agent on site. They represent the builder. They are there to make the builder as much money as they can. They may even tell you “If you don’t work with an agent I can save you more money”. This is not usually the truth. They will make you think you are saving money…but I have yet to see one really do it.
In fact, approximately 7 years ago, I had a clients I was showing a new home to in Liberty Hill, TX. (Small town north of Austin.) This young couple never in their dreams thought they could afford a new home with their budget of $125K. They just knew they were going to end up with a “fixer upper”.
At the same time a friend of mine’s, coworker was looking for a home in the same town. She told them they ought to call me, but they said they were not going to work with an agent, because they had looked at a subdivision of new homes, and the builder told them he could save them money by not working with an agent. Well, long story short...we were both looking in the same subdivision! These other folks purchased a 3 bed-2 bath spec home with no upgrades for $124K. My clients purchased the larger 4 bed-2 bath spec home with no upgrades for $114K. And my clients got a washer/dryer and refrigerator included! The other folks didn’t get that. Those other folks just put money in that builders pocket, and they still had to buy a washer/dryer and refrigerator on top of the price! So there is the proof that not working with an agent will not always save you money.
Did I mention my clients got in with NO money down? This young couple called me a couple months later thanking me on this. They didn’t even own a garden hose going into this new home. They didn’t realize that if they had put all their money down, that would have left them with nothing to furnish a home, buy curtains, a lawn mower and all the other things that go along with a new home as a first time home buyer. I knew this, so was looking for areas that offered this kind of financing for them.
So when you are ready to purchase a home, get your own buyer's agent to represent you. Whether buying at $90,000 or $25,000,000. Remember, the name on the sign is working FOR the seller, not you. The builder's rep works for the builder, not you! Get your own representation! It doesn’t cost you anything, and will probably save you money in the long run. If you need a buyer's agent in the Austin area, please give me a call at 512-925-8928. It is my job to find you the best home -for the lowest price I can- when I represent you as a buyer.
Sherry Scales, REALTOR®
CLHMS, GRI, SRES, ABR designations to serve you better.
HomeNet Realty
12444 Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78759
512.925.8928 Cell
Visit my website: www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com to search for homes.
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