Home Buy Atlanta

Why Smart Buyers Use a Buyer’s Agent

You might be asking yourself “Why do I need a Buyer’s Agent?” You could go it alone, but once you step back and think about it you will realize that this is probably the biggest and most important investment you will ever make.

You might ask the listing agent to show you the home and assist with a purchase offer, but you must understand that the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the Seller. Their goal is to sell the home for the highest price possible in a reasonable period of time. In a nutshell, without a Buyer’s Agent you are really on your own.

Most individuals don’t realize that when a home is listed for sale with a real estate brokerage firm that not only does that firm represent the Seller, but so does the Buyer’s Agent in most cases. That is, unless the Buyer has a buyer’s agreement for the Buyer’s Agent to represent them. Years ago Buyers didn’t have a choice, but now they do with the creation of “Buyer Agency”.

How Can a Buyer’s Agent Help Me?

A Buyer’s Agent will:

• Show the available homes that are of interest to you.
• Point out the property’s positive features.
• Provide financing information.
• Submit a purchase offer on your behalf.

Growing up the son of a home builder, and personally relocating nine times during my corporate career; I fully appreciate the need to have good buyer representation. Over 12 years ago I earned the advanced designation of Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). In order to obtain this designation an agent must pass specific tests approved by the National Association of Realtors, and achieve a specific number of buyer represented transactions. Only 4% of real estate professionals have earned this designation and are truly some of the best of the best!

In addition to the tasks noted above, services I provide include:

• I will meet with you to gain a complete understanding of your needs and goals.
• Conduct a customized search of homes for sale that is based upon your specific criteria.
• Consult with you so that you become an informed Buyer who knows your options.
• Recommend a mortgage consultant who will help you determine which loan best suits your needs and comfort level.
• Point out the property’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Share with you any valuable and essential information learned regarding the Seller’s reason for selling; how long the property has been for sale, etc.
• Complete a Market Analysis to determine what the property’s fair market value really is.
• Negotiate a purchase agreement with your interests in mind.
• Assist you and the lender from contract to close, including the home inspection and appraisal.

What Will a Buyer’s Agent Cost?

Perhaps the right question is “What will it cost me if I don’t use a Buyer’s Agent?” In most all instances in which a home for sale is listed with a brokerage firm, the Buyer’s Agent is actually paid by the Seller as part of the listing agreement and purchase contract. So when you think about it you will realize that having proper representation on one of the largest investments you will ever make does make sense. Best of all, its free!