Who Represents You?

Most people choose to have a buyer’s agent working for them due to the size and importance of this transaction. An experienced full-time agent can be even more valuable. An experienced buyer is considered to have only purchased 3 or 4 homes in their life, whereas an experienced agent may have helped people with that many homes in just one month.

A buyer’s agent provides information on individual markets, researches properties, gives advice about the process, and applies their negotiation expertise to get you the best price and terms. A valuable buyer’s agent will do more than point out all of the positives. You probably don’t need help noticing the pretty stuff. The true value comes in when they point out uncommon red flags and other less noticeable resale objections. You do not want to choose your realtor out of obligation (for example, a realtor who also happens to be a friend or relative). Also be wary of making a choice just based on ease of access (the listing agent, for example). Be cautious of agents who try to show their value through using a gimmick like a commission rebate.

This is one of your biggest financial decisions. You want to choose an agent with a wealth of knowledge who can be your guide, your representative, and a problem solver. This should be someone you want to work with and talk to—not just another real estate agent.