Ready to house hunt? It’s a crazy world out there. Prepare for a large amount of paperwork, multiple offers, and multiple, scarring challenges before you can own your home. Not going to lie to you, it gets tough. Which is why Usman has decided to provide all the information on working with a realtor upfront.
Benefits of using buyer’s agents
- 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 also explain the ins and outs of various properties and neighborhoods to help buyers decide which home is right for them by explaining the pros and cons of various options.
- Negotiate the offer. The buyer’s agent will advise clients on an appropriate price to offer and present it to the seller’s agent. 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 should also be able to refer you to reliable mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, movers, and more. This can also help expedite each step of the process and move you to a successful sale all the faster.
- 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 then act as a buffer between you and the sellers or their agent. If negotiations become heated or hostile, it’s extremely helpful to have an experienced professional keeping calm and offering productive solutions.
The agent/buyer contract
Once you agree to work with an agent, you will have to sign a contract called an Buyer Agency Agreement outlining the agent’s services and compensation. This contract also means that this agent will be your sole representative and that you won’t work with other buyer’s agents.
