So you have been looking through Trulia and Zillow and found a home that you like. Why not call the listing agent and go look at the house. The listing agent smiles at you and says: "So do you like the house. I would be glad to write up the paperwork and get you into the house." Easy as pie right?
Not necessarily. That listing agent represents the seller and has a fiduciary responsibility to them. They are required by contract to put the sellers interests above all others in this transaction. There responsibility to you is to provide fair and accurate information, but not to help you.
In another scenario you call Agent Kevin, a buyers agent, and tell him you are looking for a house. You have seen a couple on-line that are of interest. Agent Kevin will schedule you a showing on those houses plus give you some other houses to consider. Agent Kevin will provide market data showing the fair market value of the house. Agent Kevin will write an offer asking for a home warranty and closing costs paid by the seller. Agent Kevin will do the negotiating to get you the best deal possible. Agent Kevin has a fiduciary responsibility to you.
And still there is more that a buyers agent will do for you. Your buyers agent will work with your lender to make sure they have all of the information about the transaction. An inspection will be scheduled. Followup inspections will be scheduled if needed. A renegotiation will commence to ask for repairs. Things such as a dripping faucet may seem minor, but your buyers agent will have the seller fix them before you move in.
All of this work and you are still weeks away from closing. Your agent will track the progress all the way to closing. Did those repairs get done? Is the mortgage coming through? All of these are things that an agent working for you will verify in a timely manner.
Now we get to the big question. Will this cost me more? The answer is No and No. The first no is for the direct costs. Your agent will be paid by the listing agent agreeing to split their commission. So the seller is paying the same and you are not paying for this service. The second no is that your agent will save you money in the long run by getting the proper inspections and negotiating for repairs. Your buyers agent got you that home warranty to take care of any issues in the future. Agent Kevin got those closing costs paid by the seller.
So if you are ready to buy a house. Give your buyers agent, Kevin Flinn, a call today. 816-665-4175
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