Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A BUYER'S AGENT, AND HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?
A buyer’s agent is a real estate professional who represents your interests during the home-buying process. They help you find properties that fit your needs, negotiate the best price, guide you through the paperwork, and handle all the details, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUYER'S AGENT AND A SELLER'S AGENT?
A seller’s agent represents the seller’s interests and works to secure the best deal for the seller. A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, works exclusively for the buyer, helping them find properties, negotiate offers, and protect their interests throughout the transaction.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH A BUYER’S AGENT?
A buyer’s agent can:
- Give a negative opinion or critique of a seller’s property beyond just disclosing defects.
- Recommend or suggest an offering price or give an opinion about whether a particular house is priced too high or too low.
- Structure the offer and draft offer provisions with the buyer’s best interest in mind.
- Recommend and assist the buyer with negotiation strategies for the best price and beneficial terms.
- Research and disclose information about a property’s history, title and liens so the buyer can make a better informed decision. The amount of optional investigation and research that a buyer’s agent may do for a buyer will vary from agent to agent.
- Give information and advice within the scope of the agent’s expertise as a licensed real estate agent.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHOWING AGREEMENT AND A BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT?
A showing agreement means you don’t have to commit to a showing agent and it doesn’t have to include any form of compensation. The negative side is the showing agent is technically not working for you during the showing but working for the seller. If you have a buyer agency agreement in place, you have an agent that is working directly on your behalf. This can make a big difference even on just a showing. A buyer agent can point out any negative concerns they see while walking through the home. They can give you an opinion on what they think of the price. Our buyer agents can also discuss some of the custom clauses that can be used if you wanted to make an offer.
DO I NEED A BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT TO GO ON SHOWINGS?
While you technically don’t need a buyer’s agent to view a house, it’s highly recommended to have one before going on a showing as they can provide valuable expertise in evaluating the property, negotiating the price, and navigating the complex legal aspects of buying a home; essentially acting as your advocate throughout the process.