Why Use a Buyers’ Agent?

Over the years we as consumers have  become fiercely independent. After all, it is common to go online, buy a friend a gift and have it delivered to her home. We can book our next trip, pay some bills and get some advice about a medical issue, all with the click of a mouse.

When it comes to buying a home, there is a wealth of information available. We type in our specifications, and have a look at the details and photographs of several homes. We gather information such as taxes and the prices of nearby homes that have recently sold. We learn about open houses and go see the homes on our own. Why would we need a buyers’ agent?

Of course, buying a home can be a costly transaction. Would it be better to keep our motivation for buying and purchase price capability confidential? A buyers’ agent is trained to do this. If we want to make an offer, how much should we offer and what conditions should we include? Our negotiations are likely to go smoother if we have a person acting as our professional advisor and intermediary. How can we  best handle inspection issues? How can we navigate the labyrinth that is now the mortgage application process? An experienced agent can guide us through the complex, sometimes emotional, home buying process avoiding the many pitfalls.

In some instances if we do everything ourselves we will save some money. This is not  true when buying a home for one very good reason. The sellers’ contract sets the amount of the commission that he will pay if a sale is completed regardless of whether the buyers are represented by an agent or not. In other words, as buyers we will not get a discount, and may end up actually paying more without an agent assisting us. If you have any questions, contact Bill.