Getting a Realtor or Agent assistance in Buying your Home
A buyer’s agent represents the buyer who is purchasing the property in real estate
transactions.
Research done by the National Association of Realtors shows that when an agent
is used, the buyer found a home over a week faster and, on average, examined three
more properties than a buyer who did not use an agent.
There are no upfront disadvantages to using an agent because ninety-nine
percent of the time there are no extra costs involved in using their services.
However, there are many advantages to using a real estate agent.
Overall, agents can steer you through the closing process smoothly and have access
to resources for assisting you in a home search which are not available elsewhere,
giving you advice based on many years of experience around your property of interest.
Here is a list of some advantages and
services an agent provides you when buying a home:
- Evaluate your specific wants and needs then locate properties that meet your specifications.
- Can determine what you the buyer can afford (pre-qualify) and show you properties in that price
range.
- Accompany the buyer on the showing of a property, or preview the property on behalf of the
buyer.
- Research the property and investigate any problems a property may have. This would
help a buyer make an informed decision prior to making an offer to purchase the
property.
- Present an offer to the seller and the seller’s agent on behalf of the buyer.
- Negotiate on behalf of the buyer to help obtain the identified property, keeping the buyers
best interest in mind.
-
Assist in securing proper financing for the selected property.
- Provide potential qualified venders (movers, attorneys, carpenters, etc.)
- Fully represent the buyer throughout the real estate transactions.
Even though there are clear advantages to hiring a buyer’s agent, every agent is
different. You should ask questions pertaining to his schedule, qualifications and experience
in your interested area. It would also
be important to see if he or she can provide you with documents necessary for your
own information on a property.
For
example a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) would provide recent sales, sale prices
for recently sold homes, and prices and listing dates for homes currently on the
market in the areas you are interested in.
A CMA will also include general information like square footage and local schools,
community services, transportation and shopping.
When finding a real estate agent, referrals are the best way to go. Successful agents make customer satisfaction
their number one priority. Ask people
around you who they used and if they were satisfied with their services.
Advice from family and friends would be most reliable when hiring
an agent. Internet searches can be
a quick alternative to finding an agent representing an area you’re interested in
because of their listings in that area.
This can also mean that the agents are likely to cater more to the seller than to
you, the buyer. Finding an agent should
be done with patients and good referrals.
If you have a good relationship with your agent there shouldn’t be any disappointments
when using there services.