Are You a Baltimore BUBBA?

Are You a Baltimore BUBBA? Home Buyer Unrepresented by a Buyer's Agent

The majority of people, whether in the real estate business or not, have pay attention to of the FSBO a for Sale by Owner seller. The short form has been used for relatively awhile as there has constantly been a sector of the market that decided to sell their home straightforwardly to a new buyer. Nevertheless, there's a new acronym being utilized by Realtors these days. BUBBA or Buyers Unrepresented By a Buyer's Agent. It is making its way into the real estate agent terminology for the reason that this market segment is on the rise.

In 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors 2006 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, almost a quarter of all sales (23%) were Bubbas. Even though numerous of these home buyers did work directly with a builder or at a sheriff's foreclosure sale, 9% bought directly from the home seller.

The Internet is in all probability the most contributing dynamic to the growth of this buying segment. Buyers are without doubt more educated searching on line for as many months, some times up to 6 months prior to making their home purchase. The homes are displayed on the web. There are directions on how to purchase a home. The whole process is less mystifying and apparently simple that many self-educated buyers are foregoing working with a Realtor.

Are You a BUBBA? Prior to you moving forward unrepresented, at this juncture are a few things to consider.

BUBBA can cost more money. Buyer's representation does not cost anything. But can save thousands. When you sign an agreement for buyer representation, your agent is obligated to specific fiduciary duties to you to work in YOUR best interest. They are expected to keep your information confidential. A Realtor does this as a profession, not once every 10 years like most buyers. Real estate agents are knowledgeable in negotiating a deal on a home that is in your best interest.

Consequently how does a buyer's agent get paid? All homes are listed in the MLS states a fee agreed upon by the seller with his agent to be paid to the buyer's agent of the particular home. Yes, the seller pays the fee for you to your agent.

However this does raise the question, "but I buy directly from the seller and he doesn't pay a fee, won't I get a better price?"

In all probability not. Imagine about it this way, the seller set the price in the first place. If he is not working with an agent, how can you be certain that you received a good price on the home? Also why would a seller, who doesn't know you, give you the savings he planned to pocket by not hiring an agent?

In this buyer's market, with so many diverse homes to choose from, it is simple to be inundated in the purchasing process. What if the seller is has a charming character that uses a three year old refinancing appraisal to set his price? Is it a good deal?--Probably not.

Buying a home is not as easy as walking into a markdown store for a new computer...And that can be awesome. There are particulars to a purchase home that many first time home buyers just don't predict. How old is the roof? When can we take control after closing? Is the septic system in compliance or does it needs to be replaced? Are there encroachments, like a adjacent fence or driveway sharing issues? Are there judgments pending and who will pay for them?

All of these are circumstances an experienced Realtor will try to anticipate and resolve in writing as the deal moves toward the closing.

Some people are unintentional BUBBAS. They start out in a "education" stage...That time period of six months to years where they are "dreaming" of a new home but don't want to commit or be forced into a contract. They stroll into an open house and it is their dream home. Because they didn’t have an agent when they first came in, they feel awkward informing the seller that they want representation and just move forward without one.

As a Realtor, I try to teach potential clients into developing a relationship with a real estate early in the course of action. If you want to see a home, get in touch with that agent and sign a contract for a specific house. That way your wellbeing would be represented, if the house is ideal for your family. Other than you would not be locked into a 6 month agreement, if you are not prepared to make a decision.

Before becoming part of this mounting trend in home purchasing, do research and cautiously consider your choices. You may be giving up more than you think to when making the one of the most important financial decisions of your life.