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First Time Home Buyers: Should you use a real estate agent?
The following is an update to information I first published in 2011.   I recently shared information for potential first time home buyers about the differences between renting and owning, and about whether a first house is affordable.  The question this time is -- should a first time home buyer use their own real estate agent?
 
This question has a simple answer:   YES, you should!  There are several major reasons.
 
The first reason: The agent listing a home does not work for you, the buyer.
 
Many first time home buyers believe that if they are interested in a home, their best course of action is to call the agent who is selling the home.   If they like the home when they see it, and they make an offer with that agent, they may mistakenly believe that agent is representing them.  
 
While the agent listing a house must show fairness and honesty and accuracy to anyone making an offer, the listing agent represents the seller, not the buyer[1].  The agent does not care what you want to spend, and in fact, is responsible to share any information about what you do or don't want with her seller.  The listing agent is also not able ... more

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