San Francisco New Developments

Well, first off, not every buyer needs an agent. You don't need an agent *IF*

1. you have already decided on a building (you don't need help searching and deciding) and
2. you can get in early AND get the actual unit you want and
3. you know what the best price that can be obtained for that unit is and how to get it!
4. you know which is the best / most popular floor plan is (you want to be able to resale it right?) and
5. you know how to read the contract and disclosures, understand the issues/risks and
6. you have a lender that can get you the best rate / service for this new development (remember, not all lenders will be able to lend to a new buildling in San Francisco) and
7. you know what upgrades will maximize your resale potential and whether they are even worth the price they are charging and maybe be able to find cheaper vendors and
8. you have already bought real estate before and are aware of all the documents you will sign at closing, etc.

But not everyone will fall in this situation obviously. Most people can benefit from an experienced agent.

Especially for these two projects where I have sold many and have gotten my clients units they could not get - as an example, I had a client that wanted what is arguably the best unit and most sought after in the entire city - the top floor northeast corner penthouse of 1 Rincon Hill with "Bridge-to-bridge" views - I beat out all agents and buyers to get this unit because I already knew the sales staff and they liked me and remembered to call me first with this information.

 I was one of the first (2nd into 1 Rincon and 3rd into Infinity) into both buildings and got my clients the earliest choices which have made them countless thousands of dollars in equity (prices of similar units were increased multiple times).

it's all about relationships, knowledge, experience, and hustle - that's the mark of a good agent and that's the advantage of working with a buyer agent instead of just walking in unrepresented.