To Buyer’s Agent or not to Buyer’s Agent?

Over 80% of all home searches begin on the internet. With so much public information in front of you directly on your computer screen or tablet, why would you need a buyer’s agent? What can they do that you can’t?

PLENTY.

While the internet is a wonderful, and I do mean wonderful, tool, it’s only useful if you know how to use it properly. There are so many sites out there, (Zillow, Trulia, etc…) that has loads of real estate information, but is it current and up to date reflecting the current market conditions? Yes and no. Chances are, some of the houses you see that you wouldn’t mind making your home are already in contracts and off the market. Or the estimates that are proudly displayed are in fact, way off. One of the many jobs of a buyer’s agent is to study the market daily and match your needs to what is available in the market at that moment; it’s as simple as that. Real estate agents have access to the MLS and the actual stats, which has current and detailed information that you can’t find anywhere else. Savvy real estate agents pride themselves at being privy to such intimate information, especially in their own neighborhood.

With that being said, you need a Realtor who will work for you. You, the buyer, not the seller. A buyer’s agent does just that. EVERY AGENT IS WORKING FOR THE SELLER UNTIL YOU ENTER INTO A BUYERS AGENCY WITH THEM.

They will help you negotiate for the price and terms that are in your best interest. Do you know how to read real estate contracts, even the fine lines? A buyer’s agent does. Need a recommendation for a lender? Trust me, they know of a few. How about a qualified home inspector? Yup, they’ll have you covered on that too. Random home buying questions? Check, and double check. And best of all? You don’t pay the buyer’s agent, the seller does. What’s not to like about that? A true buyer’s agent will work for YOU. Even if you’ve purchased a home in the past, a buyer’s agent is still extremely important. Rules and regulations constantly change, as does the housing market in general. You need a seasoned agent on your side. 

I’m not telling you to not look around on the internet for your dream house. I encourage you to look around the internet. (I have the MLS search option on my website, USE it!) With such a huge decision, you should be very involved in your home search. However, when it comes down to determining the best houses in what areas, negotiations, filling out paper work and wondering what happens next – use a buyer’s agent! Their job is to work for you. 

One last thing about a buyer’s agent. Sadly, they are not all created equally. Don’t sign paperwork with a buyer’s agent  just to pick one, pick one that you feel comfortable with and that understands your needs and wants! Contact me anytime, I’d love to meet with you and guide you through the home buying process. Even if you’re looking for a home outside my service area (Brown County, WI and the surrounding area), still contact me. I’ll be more than happy to find you a qualified buyer’s agent! 

Make sure to visit my buyer’s page for more information, articles, and resources.