Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent

Shoppers working with a buyer’s agent benefit from the expertise of a professional who works exclusively for them.

Home shopping may seem daunting, but a buyer’s agent will make the process easier. 

A buyer’s agent is a real estate expert who represents the best interests of the buyer.  This professional helps clients meet their real estate goals with consideration of price range, location, type of property the buyer hopes to acquire, and the current market.

In short, a buyer’s agent guides the purchase process, from finding the home to closing on it.

Here are four advantages buyer’s agents provide to home shoppers:

1.    Locating properties.  A buyer’s agent locates properties matching their client’s budget, needs, and preferences. They set up and attend showings with buyers, and then, they help determine which properties of those available warrant further consideration. 

2.    Writing offers. Once a client identifies a property they’d like to purchase, a buyer’s agent assists in determining offer price based on their market analysis; help buyers name contingencies to include in the offer (such as inspections and financing); and explain terms of the contract, answer client questions, and “walk you through each step of the process.”

3.    Negotiate on the buyer’s behalf.  Buyer’s agents notify clients of the seller’s reply to an offer and provide advice about whether to accept a counteroffer or continue negotiations on price and other terms.

4.    Provide referrals.  Buyer's agents help their clients find professionals like home inspectors, movers, attorneys, interior designers, and others who can offer valuable assistance in the real estate transaction.

Buyer's agents are typically paid by the seller, who offers commissions divided between the listing and buyer agents. 

The most important thing for home shoppers to remember is that buyer’s agents work only on behalf of the buyer, while the listing agent works only on behalf of the seller: each represents their client with the goal of finding the best results of a transaction.  Buyers and sellers have different objectives, an important thing to keep in mind for those hoping to purchase a home.

A buyer's agent will be able to exercise creativity, intuition, and their good judgement in crafting offers that give their clients the edge in this very competitive market--including negotiating tactics that the listing agent would not even consider when writing an offer on behalf of their client, the seller.  Here is yet another advantage for consumers working with a buyer's agent.

The bottom line?  Shoppers working with a buyer’s agent rather than directly with the listing agent will benefit from the expertise of a professional who works exclusively for them.

Post authored by Lora Bray.

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