Why You Need a Buyer's Agent

With the abundance of real estate technology out there these days, it may make you wonder "why do I even need a real estate agent?"  While these sites and apps may make you feel like you have this home buying thing down, there is a lot more to it than just finding the location of a new home.  Individuals still need a professional to help them through the transaction process and all other aspects of buying a home.

I have put together a list of reasons buyers need representation, as well as some of the benefits an agent provides to their client.  This of course should not be considered an exhaustive list but more of a Top 5 if you will.

1. No Cost to You!

That's right! No cost.  In almost all cases the seller will be the one to pay the commissions.  I mean, I could probably stop the list now.  This should be reason enough to have representation.  You can hire a professional who knows the entire process backwards and forwards, has your best interests at heart, and will guide you the whole way...and you pay them nothing!

2. Negotiating the Deal.

A great buyer's agent will fight hard for you to obtain the best possible deal.  There are a lot of factors in negotiating a purchase agreement.  Probably the most important to most buyers is of course price, but there are other things that can be negotiated.  Such as date of possession, inclusion of repairs and furnishings, just to name a few.  There is no replacement for a great agent negotiating on your behalf to make sure you get what you want and you don't pay too much for it.

3. Maneuvering Through Potential Hazards

Having an agent on your side while you traverse the sea that is home buying can be indispensable.  Remember they have been here before and can often sniff out problems before they arise.  A great agent will search for potential pitfalls, before you have a chance to step off the edge of that pit.  Let's face it most real estate transactions have hitches, some more than others, but doesn't it make sense to have someone on your side to make sure you don't land yourself in a deep financial and stressful pit.  Of course it does, and did I mention they do this at no cost to you..(See reason #1.)
 

4. Market Knowledge

Real estate agents have access to a wealth of recent market data.  Because of this, a great agent will be able to give you realistic purchase prices based on this information.  Why should you care?  Because you don't want to end up paying more for your home than all the other comparable homes in the neighborhood do you?  Of course you don't!  A great agent will scope out what other comparable homes in the neighborhood has sold for over the last several months to make sure you don't end up paying more than you should.   

5. Buyer's Agents Work For You

When you contract with an agent they are legally bound to work for your best interest.  That truly offers you an incredible amount of leverage in your home buying endeavor.  Some buyers think that if they call the agent on the sign they will get a better deal but most of the time this couldn't be further from the truth.  Think about it, the agent on the sign has contracted with the SELLER to help sell their home and consequently has the SELLER'S best interest at heart.  So why not bring your own agent to the table to fight for your best interests.  

If you are still reading this thank you for sticking with me and making it this far.  As you can see, whether you are buying your first home, upgrading or downsizing, having a great agent on your side just makes sense.  And did I mention they do this at NO COST to you!