Buyers, Who Is Looking Out For Your Interests?

In the early years of our marriage (before kids of course!), my wife and I used to spend much of our weekend free time going to open houses, dreaming of what our first home would be like.  Even after we bought our first home, we would still go to open houses just for some inexpensive entertainment or to get decorating ideas.  

I'm sure many of you are doing the exact same thing now...and that's fantastic!  There's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the homes market and using it to your advantage.  You can get a feel for a local homes market by seeing homes in person.  What's great is that most agents who are at open homes have figured out that you don't wish to be followed through the entire open house, so you can look without feeling pressure.

As you look around, please consider one simple thing; agents representing the open house, while friendly and knowledgeable, do not work for you.  The listing agent of a home is obligated to promote and protect the interests of their seller, not you.  What's this mean to you?  Simple, their job is the exact opposite of what you want if you are serious about buying a home!  They will be friendly to you while they do their best to get you to pay the most possible for the home.  (You'd want exactly that if they were selling your home!)  Also, contrary to a common myth about real estate, you don't get a better deal by working directly with the listing agent.  If you don't have your own agent, the listing agent simply makes more money by keeping the entire commission for themselves.  Let me re-state that point, because many people misunderstand; the commission does not change when you don't have a buyer's agent, which means you get no discount on the home!

How do you avoid this problem?  Simple, get your own Buyer's Agent!  As your Buyer's Agent, I only represent your interests in a transaction.  It's my job to get you the home you want at the best price and terms.  If you are serious about buying a home, learn how to protect your interests by hiring a professional.  If someone decided to take you to court, would you hire their lawyer to represent you?  NO!  Would you hire your own attorney?  OF COURSE!  (Plus, you probably wouldn't hire a part-time attorney, either, but that's another subject.)

Questions?  Give me a call or drop me an email.  I'd love to chat about what it means for you to have your own Buyer's Agent.

Looking for a home in Parkville, Liberty, Smithville, Platte City, Kearney, Kansas City, or Gladstone?  Let me know, I'm sure I can help...it's all I do!