Why Doesn't the National Association of Realtors Promote BUYERS' Agency?

Did you know that the NAR (National Association of Realtors) is the largest trade association in the US?  With 1.3 million members, the NAR is a major proponent for home ownership and property rights.

NAR's national publicity campaigns have promoted a more professional image of Realtors(R) helping buyers find just the right house, and helping sellers market their homes in the most effective way.

I was not big fan of the previous campaigns that stated "You have a life.  Real estate is our life."  Nonetheless, it did make the point that Realtors are prepared to work hard and ethically for the public.

Everyone knows that a Realtor will show homes to buyers.  Everyone knows that Realtors have sophisticated marketing tools for selling homes.  Here's my question: Why hasn't the concept of Buyer Representation received more public emphasis from the NAR?

Many buyers start their research on the internet to look for a home.  Almost invariably they start out by looking at the homes that are listed in what they calculate should be their price range.  After narrowing the field down to a controllable number, buyers often assume that they will do better by contacting the listing agents for each listing, and having each agent describe the features of their particular listing, and show the home if it sounds good to the buyer.

The buying public is woefully unaware of the fact that they are unrepresented as they go through this process.  They often feel as though an agent is an adversary to be tolerated since the agent is the one with the keys to the homes!

Nothing could be further from the truth!   But NAR, with its public megaphone, has largely ignored the aspect of promoting Buyer Representation.  Everyone know that sellers will have an agent tasked with the responsibility of representing the homesellers' best interests.  But what about buyers?  Do they know the difference between being a customer and a client?

Unfortunately, many buyers don't know what they don't know, and the National Association is in an ideal position to educate the public.  There is little emphasis on the importance of choosing a competent Realtor to represent buyers before the choice of a property is made.

An agent representing the buyer can offer objective advice about each home, including possible reasons NOT to buy a particular house. 

A Realtor representing a buyer can be an experienced negotiator, keeping the buyer's negotiating position confidential.

A Realtor representing a buyer can provide due diligence in suggesting specialized inspections that may be indicated, or provide advice on the advantages or dangers of various financing options.

A buyer can have representation in most cases for FREE.  Why wouldn't every buyer want to take advantage of a service that could give them so much protection and value - and even save them a great deal of money - for NO COST TO THEM?

As an Accredited Buyer Representative in Lancaster County, PA, I am very much aware of the need for more public education on the subject of representation.  If you have any questions about buyer representation, I would be happy to answer your concerns via email, or call (717) 951-5552.

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