Never before worked with a Realtor? This will help.....

If you are a potential buyer of a property and have never before worked with a Realtor, there are a few "fun" things that you will want to know.

Time and time again I find that the general public has not been educated about buying real estate property. The majority begin the process with blinders on and largely because Realtors are not getting the necessary information to them. I am going to share a few things with you, the consumer, that will hopefully give you a little peace of mind and make the buying experience more appealing to you.

What buyers should know before searching for a home: 

• In most cases, you will not have to pay your "Buyers Agent" a commission for his/her services to represent you through the buying process. The commissions are paid by the Seller. There are a few exceptions which should be thoroughly explained by your Buyers Agent.
• Earnest money deposits, in most cases, are either returned to you (the buyer) or applied to the contract sales prices at closing. Again, the exceptions should be thoroughly explained by your Buyers Agent.  
• If you find a home that is NOT listed by the same company that your agent works for, your agent can still show you the property and represent you just the same.
• If you find a home that IS listed by the company that your agent works for, but the Listing agent is not your Buyers Agent, your agent can still show you the home and represent you just the same.
• When you the consumer want to see or possibly buy a property that is not listed by your Buyers Agent or the company that he or she works for, DO NOT be misled into believing that you will actually SAVE money by leaving your agent out of the picture. What you are doing is putting ALL of the commissions into the Listing Agents pocket. So in the end, you didn't save money, you just helped the Listing Agent get more money versus splitting it with your Buyers Agent.

Hopefully, you the consumer, have gained a little insight into the buying process and will enjoy the experience rather than worrying about who you must pay. In the end, whether you are represented by a Buyers Agent or not, and as long as the home is listed for sale through a real estate company, the Seller will pay the commissions. And either the Listing Agent will get the money or it will be split with the Buyers Agent.

I hope you have a great experience! Good luck!!