A question I receive often is “why hire a Buyer’s Agent?”.
Why Hire A Buyer’s Agent?
The most important reason to hire a Buyer’s Agent is to ensure that you and your best interests are represented – not the seller’s.
A second reason why you should hire a Buyer’s Agent is to understand buyer due diligence. A Buyer’s Agent has fiduciary responsibilities to you and is required to make sure you understand what due diligence means for a home buyer.
I highly recommend a Buyer’s Agent with local expertise who is knowledgeable and experienced in the area you want to live. A local agent is more qualified to estimate fair market value given the specific location, proximity to transportation, outdoor recreation, schools, and local services.
Hire A Buyer’s Agent For Loyalty
As your Buyer’s Agent I provide undivided loyalty because I represent only you and your best interests. I do not also represent the seller of the home you decide to purchase. Hire a Buyer’s Agent who will only represent you and your best interests to remove any potential conflict of interest.
Beware many agents practice “dual agency” when they work with the buyer and seller in the same transaction. Understand your rights as a homebuyer in Massachusetts because it will make all the difference in your home buying experience.
In fact, the only type of real estate agency relationship in Massachusetts that represents a home buyer by definition is a Buyer’s Agent. All other types of agency role represent the seller either directly or indirectly; with the exception being a facilitator who does not represent the home buyer or seller.
Unfortunately, there are real estate agents who profess to be working as Buyer’s Agent but who do not provide undivided loyalty to a home buyer. Beware of working with an agent as your Buyer’s Agent who also wants to work with the seller; otherwise known as “dual agency”. This is not in your best interest and in fact, this dual role creates a conflict of interest.
Buyer Beware: Real Estate IS Local
Interview more than one local Buyer’s Agent and choose wisely. A Buyer’s Agent is to provide comprehensive insights about comparable homes listed for sale, under agreement and recently sold. Hire a Buyer’s Agent who demonstrates a solid understanding of your rights as a home buyer as well as current market statistics and trends.
A highly skilled Buyer’s Agent is one who shares proven negotiation strategies to help you prepare an offer that is as strong and competitive as possible. Choose a Buyer’s Agent who is highly reputable, trustworthy, and has a favorable reputation in the local area.
Every Buyer’s Agent Is Unique
Before you hire a Buyer’s Agent understand that most real estate agents work as an “Independent Contractor” with vastly different levels of education, skills, and client service. Real estate agents must be highly skilled in many practice areas to be successful; be sure to hire a Buyer’s Agent who specializes in buyer agency and demonstrates these extremely important skills:
- Understand how to protect your rights within city, state and federal regulations
- Educate, coach and advocate on your behalf
- Be personable and respectful to everyone at all times
- Readily available and juggle an unpredictable schedule
- Highly organized, effective with multi-tasking and time management
- Keep current with market trends and provide updated market analysis
- Proficient statistical analysis, ability to spot market trends
- Proven negotiation strategies and techniques
- Effective management of people and tasks to ensure a smooth closing
Buyer’s Agent Recommendations
In addition to asking family, friends, and colleagues to recommend a Buyer’s Agent; be sure to also ask real estate industry professionals. A reputable mortgage lender, accountant, and real estate attorney work closely with real estate agents. Real estate industry professionals are equally reliable sources to find the very best Buyer’s Agent.
Home Buyer Agent Services
In addition to explaining why you should hire a Buyer’s Agent, my services include the following:
Client Reviews for Tamela Roche
I am grateful beyond words for all of my past Clients and their positive feedback on my services.
To learn more about my Home Buyer Agent services contact me to schedule a Home Buyer Consultation. We will review homebuyer rights in Massachusetts, my home search advice, why you should hire a Buyer’s Agent, and real estate market statistics.
