With several homes for sale on the West Bank of New Orleans, I get a lot of phone calls from potential buyers looking for information. They are driving around a neighborhood, see a sign, grab the cell phone and call from right in front of the house.
What's wrong with this? Too many times, when I ask if they are working with an agent, the response is "No, I'm just calling the names on the signs of houses I like".
Let me get this right...what you are doing is driving aimlessly (wow - have you seen gas prices lately?) and contacting a bunch of different agents who are all working for the seller? OK, let me explain to you why this plan is not in your best interest and show you a better way to find your new home.
When an owner decides to sell their home, they generally interview different agents and choose the one that they feel will work the hardest for them to get their house sold. They sign a contract with the agent that outlines what the marketing plan will be and what the commission fee will be. The agent is contracted to represent the seller in the sale of their home. The home owner is paying for the services of that agent, who has a legal and ethical responsibility to get them the highest and best price for their home. I know - this is exactly what I do for MY clients when I list their home for sale.
Now, you are cruising down the street and see that bright and shiny FOR SALE sign in front of a home that you just know would be the perfect one for you. It's fabulous, it's terrific, it's the one - you've just got to get in and see it right away. Who do you call? The name on the sign or a REALTOR® who is working for YOU, looking out for YOUR best interests?
In Louisiana, the cost of a buyer's agent is paid entirely by the seller - it doesn't cost you a single penny to use a professional to help you buy a home. It is legal for an agent to represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. BUT, in my opinion, this is a fine line to walk. Giving both the buyer and seller confidentiality and superior service is very difficult (if not impossible) for most people to do and relationships are bound to be affected, even if it's not intentional.
Why not take advantage of the services of a professional West Bank REALTOR® to provide your own representation? Many home buyers don't realize that they can interview and choose a REALTOR® just like home sellers do. Read: 5 Steps to Choosing Your New Orleans West Bank Real Estate Agent.
When you are ready to stop surfing the internet for homes and want to sit down and discuss finding your dream home, give me a call. I'll be happy to tell you how I can make buying the right West Bank home easier for you.
Related Reading:
5 Steps to Buying Your New Orleans West Bank Home
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
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Excellent advice Miss Lisa! I will say though, that I have gotten alot of clients from my signs--when I ask them if they're working with someone and they say that they're not, I offer to save them some gas money (after showing them the home, of course) and send them listings that fit their specific needs! It works more often than not!