WHY YOU SHOULD USE A BUYER'S AGENT

When a seller sells a home, s/he is represented by a listing agent and, often times, an attorney.  The lender uses an appraiser and an attorney.  Why then, as a buyer, would you go unrepresented?

Let's look at a few myths/realities:

MYTH:  I don't want to spend a lot of money for a buyer's agent.
REALITY:  There is no charge for this.

MYTH:  I don't want to commit myself.
REALITY:  Why??  Don't you want someone who will commit to you throughout the whole process?  Don't you want someone advocating for you at every step?  Don't you want someone negotiating for you?  Don't you want someone with experience to help you avoid pitfalls?

MYTH:  I can find houses online.
REALITY:  True.  However, finding a home to look at is vastly different from buying a home.  A buyer's agent will guide you through the process and will look out for your best interests.

MYTH:  I can save money if I don't use an agent.
REALITY:  Not likely.  A listing agent and a seller agree on a fee. The listing agent agrees to split that fee with the agent who brings the buyer.  If for some reason, a buyer shows up without representation, the listing agent is happy because s/he will get both sides of the fee - the full fee.  There is no incentive to share any of that with the buyer or to try to convince the seller to reduce the price.  Why would the listing agent negotiate anything on your behalf?  The listing agent has a duty to the seller to get the best price for the property.  If anything, the listing agent might discount the fee for the seller, but there is no incentive to assist the buyer.

MYTH:  I'll just use the seller's agent.
REALITY:  Another reason to ask: Why?  The listing agent treats the seller as a "client."  S/he will treat you as a "customer."  How can the listing agent be loyal to both seller and buyer?  It's an inherent conflict of interest and not something that most people would want.  Does the prosecuting attorney represent both the suspect and the victim?  Does the divorce attorney represent both spouses?  Then why would you want a listing agent to work for you when the full commitment is not there?

For every property, there is only one listing agent (or team).  That makes every other agent a buyer's agent - by default - for that particular property.

You do yourself a big favor when you work with someone who will watch out for you.

If I told you that you were going to get the services of an attorney or plumber or carpenter, and that you would not have to pay a cent for those services, would you take that deal?  Of course you would!  Well, that's the deal you get with a buyer's agent:  All the service and loyalty, with no cost.

Don't go it alone!