Why do many people choose to work with a buyer's agent?

Buyer's agents are experts on what's going on in their real estate area.  We show houses to people as a full time job, and are skilled in negotiation, contract knowledge, and real estate practice.  We protect and fight for our clients.

How can you tell which agent to choose?

Choose a buyer's agent the same way you'd choose anything else.  Either by referral or by the services that they offer. 

     Some of the services that I offer when working as a buyer's agent...

  • Expert real estate advice.
  • Patience, and a listening ear.
  • Full details from the true MLS. (webpages only show partial info)
  • Unlimited time finding your home (Even after lots of houses!).
  • Coordinate all inspections, appraisal, closing lawyer, and surveys.
  • Writing of all contracts, negotiations, and other details.
  • Experience and knowledge to help the process run smoothly.
  • Keeping my clients updated as things happen.
  • Providing a list of quality professionals to make selections easy.
  • Being ready and excited for you, even if you're "just looking".

Nobody would do all of this for free.  How do you earn a living?

The majority of all homes on the market are either using a listing agent, or are willing to work with a buyer's agent.  These homes offer a commission to a buyer's agent that represents a buyer.

Wouldn't I save money NOT using an agent?

There are a few situations where a buyer could make an offer without an agent to a unrepresented seller, and the seller wouldn't have to pay a buyer agent commission.  What you have to ask yourself is whether or not you feel comfortable with 2 unrepresented parties negotiating on a piece of property worth 100's of thousands of dollars.  Keep in mind that many unrepresented buyers and sellers have trouble determining the true value of a property.  There are hundreds of crucial details from the MLS that individually add or subtract value.  Tax value is determined by an assessment that never enters the home and many times is completely unreliable.  If you pay too much for a piece of property, it may take years to recoup the costs.