WHY USE A BUYER’S AGENT?

A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying process, be available to answer questions, and represent your interests as you search for your perfect home.

Find the right property. After determining what clients are looking for and what they can afford, the agent will schedule appointments to tour homes that fit the bill. The agent can explain the ins and outs of various properties and neighborhoods to help buyers decide which home is right for them.

Negotiate the offer. The buyer’s agent will advise clients on an appropriate price to offer, present it to the seller’s agent, negotiate on your behalf, and write up the contracts. This is where the agent’s experience in negotiating deals can save you money and help you avoid pitfalls like a fixer-upper that’s more trouble than it’s worth.

Recommend other professionals. A buyer’s agent can refer you to reliable mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, movers, and more – saving time, money, and potential missteps.

Help overcome setbacks. If the home inspector’s report or appraisal brings new issues to light, a buyer’s agent can advise you on how to proceed and act as a buffer between you and the seller’s agent. If negotiations become heated or hostile, it’s helpful to have an experienced professional keeping calm and offering productive solutions.

Buyer’s vs. listing agent: What’s the difference?

Buyer’s agents are legally bound to help buyers, whereas listing agents — the agent representing the home listing — have a fiduciary responsibility to the home seller.

For instance, if you gushed to the listing agent at an open house about how you love the home and want to buy it, and that you need to move soon because you’re expecting a child or the lease on your rental is up soon. A seller’s agent could advise the seller that your clock is ticking, so they shouldn’t budge too much on their asking price — or at all.

On the other hand, a buyer’s agent will keep this info private from sellers (and their agents) so it can’t be used against you, while working behnd the scenes on your behalf.