One of the the biggest (and most persistent) myths in Real Estate is that home buyers will get a better deal when buying the house directly through the listing agent. Try as I might, I just cannot figure out the reasoning behind it!
Silver Spring, MD Buyer FAQ: Why should I not just ask the listing agent to help me?
The listing agent is the seller's agent and as such he/she has a fiduciary duty to the seller. Any information that you, the buyer, disclose to the listing agent can and will be used against you in negotiations. Buying a home through the listing agent will not put you in a better negotiation position and will not save you money.
It is the listing agent's job to get the highest and best price for the property. Why would they assist you in getting the most bang for your buck? They won't and they can't.
In Maryland a REALTOR® can only represent one side, either the seller or the buyer but never both. The broker of a company can act as a dual agent and designate agents for either side. The listing agent can also assist a buyer with submitting an offer but said assistance is very limited.
Which contingencies should you include? The listing agent can't answer that question. Can you prepare a Comparative Market Analysis for me so I know how well (or not) the house is priced? Negative! Is the seller willing to pay my closing costs? No!
When buying a Silver Spring, MD home it is in your best interest to hire a buyer's agent to represent you. You shouldn't ask the listing agent for help because his or her loyalty lies with the seller. Anything you say that could somehow help the seller in negotiations has to be reported to him.
Buying your new Silver Spring, MD home with the help of the listing agent will not get you a better deal and will not save you money.
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