To Buyer's Agent or Not

Why secure a buyer’s agent? The question truly should be why not! It cost you absolutely nothing to have full representation in the purchase of a home. Where else can you get complimentary representation? I’ve heard the oppositions reasoning…we don’t want to commit to one agent; we may be able to get a better deal if we work directly with the seller’s agent; we want to do this by ourselves and don’t need representation. Let’s look at these opposing views…
We don’t want to commit to one agent…perhaps it is the belief that you may not get along well with the agent you choose; you don’t want to sign a contract with any one person. A great way to avoid this situation is to interview various agents. Take the time to ask the questions that you have. Is the Realtor you interview open to answering your questions? Does he/she respond to your phone calls and/or emails? Are they technically savvy? Are they reachable via cell phone and email? Are they experienced in the area you are searching? If you take the time to ask these questions and observe the way the agent responds to you…the decision should be an easy one. The agent you choose to represent you should be very experienced in the area you are searching, they should be a top producing Realtor.
Securing a better deal when working with the Seller’s Agent…unlikely. First remember that the agent is working for the seller or may become a Dual Agent representing both parties interest. A little conflicting don’t you agree? The Selling agent has already established the negotiable items with the listing agreement such as commission. The negotiating of the commission is not between you, the buyer, but between the seller and the Agent. So perhaps it truly is better to look for that expert representation that you can have all to yourself!
We don’t need representation and want to do it by ourselves…why? I know that I would not enter a courtroom without an Attorney. I would not take medication without a doctor’s advice. I would not make an investment without a financial planner. The reason? It’s not that I don’t know alittle about all of these situations it’s that I do not know enough! I may dabble here and there in certain situations but when it comes to the difficult, life altering choices I prefer to have an expert who has dealt with the situation time and time again. There are always bound to be surprises and then what will you do?
So do yourself a favor and secure your very own Buyer’s Agent. They are experienced, they are complimentary and they are ready to work for you!