Home Buyers - understand who is working for you and why!

 In Pennsylvania agents are required by law to present, explain and have their potential clients sign a Consumer Notice which fully explains relationships between the agent and their client. It is very clear as who is representing who in a real estate transaction.

But has your real estate agent really done their job? Do you understand the consumer notice that you signed? It is somewhat confusing when dual agency, designated agency and transaction licensee come into play but your agent needs to be sure that you are fully aware of who is representing who before you begin your search. 

Everyone is entitled to exclusive representation and it is extremely important that everyone involved in the transaction understands who they are working with. Why? It helps avoid any awkward representation issues when other agents suddenly enter the picture.

A buyers agent should among many other things...
1. Provide you, the buyer, with a list of possible homes in your price range and area.
2. Help you with your financing options
3. Coordinate and Schedule all appointments for you 
4. Be your exclusive representative
5. Educate you on the market place, procedures and contracts that you will need to sign.
6. Help put together the offer to purchase a home
7. Negotiate on your behalf and full represent you in the transaction
8. Most importantly be your one point of contact, your guiding light through the process.

Your agent will do the best they can in helping you find the home of your dreams. Yes, along the way you may find a home on your own outside of the area you identified as your target area. Let your agent know that you found a home you would like to see and they will be happy to make all of the arrangements to preview the home and the should also adjust your search criteria. I think that you will find greater success if you work closely with one agent rather than calling all of the houses you like yourself and scheduling appointments with all those agents, let your agent do the leg work for you.

Stay in constant communication with your agent and they will make your home buying process much more enjoyable. 

Happy Buying