Home Buying with a Real Estate Agent in Vancouver WA (Clark County), I was reading this and thought this would be good to give to my buyers, but also provide them additional info on how I would address these issues for them as their agent.
Home Buying with a Real Estate Agent
In the past, a real estate agent primarily represented the seller. While the real estate agent helped with buying a home, she always gave the seller's interests first priority. This gave the seller an advantage over potential home buyers.
Today, house-hunters can find buyer's agents: real estate agents committed to helping home buyers find the house they want and get the best possible deal.
Real Estate Broker
Some real estate agents work through brokers, independent organizations that sell houses. Agents work with brokers on a contract basis. If you see a house you wish to buy and contact the broker about that specific house, be aware that the real estate agent assigned by the broker will represent the seller. This is in the best interest of both the broker and the seller. Brokers will often handle home inspections, financing and insurance.
If you contact a real estate agent with the intent of having the agent find you a house, she is assumed to be representing you, regardless of any connection the agent has to the broker companies.
Real Estate Agent Differences
When buying a house, it makes sense to use a buyer's agent. A buyer's real estate agent will work to get you the home you want at the best possible deal, as opposed to a seller's agent, who will be concerned with getting the best price for the property. A buyer's real estate agent can be expected to:
- assist you throughout the entire process
- calculate the market value of the house compared to the seller's asking price
- have professional home buying certification
- maintain confidentiality and loyalty
- take your personal needs into account
- tell you about the house owners and why they are selling.
A buyer's real estate agent should be willing to provide you with a list of the property's drawbacks as well as its advantages. The agent should help you decide whether to accept an offer and advise you on real estate contracts during your home buying experience.
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent
Buying a home is complicated, so being comfortable with your real estate agent is important. Take the time to interview several prospective agents. Asking the following questions may help you decide if the real estate agent is right for you.
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- Do you arrange house inspections, house appraisals, and insurance?
- Do you sell houses as well as help with home buying?
- How many buyers do you currently represent?
- How much experience do you have in home buying?
- What real estate broker are you affiliated with?
- What types of property are you familiar with?
- What's the average cost of purchases you arrange?
Real Estate Contracts: Negotiating with the Buyer's Agent
A real estate contract is complicated. A good buyer's real estate agent can explain all the details and let you know where and when negotiation is appropriate. Finding a good agent was once as difficult as finding the right home. Today, all you need is a computer, access to the Internet and a few clicks of the mouse.
The development of a real estate contract begins when you finalize the price and terms with the home seller. The process ends at closing, at which point you take possession of your home. You should review a standard real estate contract with your agent before you view any houses so that you know what to expect once you make an offer.
Making an Offer Through Your Real Estate Agent
The first step in buying a home is to make an offer on a suitable property. Your real estate agent should provide you with a market analysis detailing the selling price of similar houses in the neighborhood over the last year. This information will help you make a fair offer.
This is where your needs will come into play. Your real estate agent will assume you want to buy at or below market price, and will bargain accordingly. If you're willing to compete with other potential buyers and pay the asking price or higher, let your real estate agent know: this will influence how she negotiates your real estate contract.
Seller Motivation Affects Contract Negotiation
If possible, find out why the seller is moving and negotiate a contract based on this information. Retirees usually want as high a profit as possible, while urgent events (illness, marriage, job transfers) may mean the seller will settle for a price below market value. Ask your real estate agent how seller motivation may affect your offer and contract.
Sellers may be willing to settle for less if you have a pre-approved mortgage because your financing is already secured. Sellers may also be influenced by a down payment exceeding what is required.
Considerations When Developing a Real Estate Contract
Discuss the following points with your real estate agent when negotiating a real estate contract:
- Is there a mortgage escape clause? If there isn't, you will be legally required to purchase despite financing.
- Is the seller willing to offer concessions such as a roof repair or paint allowance?
- What appliances and fixtures are included in the price?
- Who pays for transaction costs (brokers commissions, lawyer or escrow fees)?
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