A question I receive often is “why hire a Buyer’s Agent?”.
Why Hire A Buyer’s Agent?
The most important reason why you should hire a Buyer’s Agent is to ensure that you and your best interests are represented – not the seller’s.
A second reason to hire a Buyer’s Agent is to understand how to perform your responsibility for home 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.
Thirdly, I highly recommend hiring a Buyer’s Agent with local expertise. Interview several local agents to choose a Buyer Agent who is very knowledgeable and experienced where you want to live. A local agent will be more qualified to explain how a home’s future value can differ by specific locations such as proximity to public transportation, outdoor recreation, schools, and retail services.
Hire A Buyer’s Agent For Loyalty
As your Buyer’s Agent I represent only you, not the seller of the home you decide to purchase. Beware many Agents choose to work with both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction; which is known as “dual agency” and is not in your best interest. 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
Before you hire a Buyer’s Agent be sure to interview several local agents and be very selective. Hire a Buyer’s Agent who is very knowledgeable and experienced working in the local areas you want to live. Your Buyer’s Agent should have in-depth market knowledge in order to help determine fair market value.
A highly knowledgeable Buyer’s Agent will provide comprehensive insights about properties listed for sale, under agreement and recently sold. Hire a Buyer’s Agent who not only demonstrates a solid understanding of your rights as a home buyer, but also the current market and trends.
A highly skilled Buyer’s Agent will share proven strategies to help your offer be as strong and competitive as possible. Also seek to find a highly reputable agent with a long-standing, favorable reputation in the local area you are searching.
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 Massachusetts
Reviews for Tamela Roche, Realtor
To learn more about my Home Buyer Agent services, contact me to schedule a Home Buyer Consultation. Primary service areas are Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, Medford, and Somerville Massachusetts.
Tamela Roche ABR® – Accredited Buyer Representative Since 2002