5 Reasons to Hire a Buyer's Agent
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or an old pro, you need a buyer's agent to help you through the legal process of buying a home. You may wonder why. Here are just a few things to know about buyer's agents and how they can help you find single family homes for sale.
1. Their Services Are Free
Contrary to popular belief, it costs you, the buyer, nothing to work with a buyer's agent. They represent your best interests in the transaction, but their commission is paid by the seller. The exact percentage varies throughout the country, but the seller is typically charged six percent of the sales price, which is then split between the buyer's and seller's agents. If a seller thinks that you shouldn't work with an agent to save money, realize that it is really only saving them money.
2. They Know Their Stuff
Another reason you need to hire an agent is because they know the home buying. You may attend a few closing in your lifetime, but they attend hundreds each and every year! Between their initial training, the licensing exam, and the annual continuing ed, real estate agents are well-versed in the legal ins and outs of buying and selling in your state. They have seen and dealt with everything at least once already. Missing refrigerator at the walk thru? Been there. House burns down the day of closing? Done that. Ultimately, they've seen it all, so ask them any and all questions to ensure you get the home you want.
3. They are in Your Corner
Working with a buyer's agent is like hiring a real estate bodyguard. It's their job to stand up for you and look out for your best interests in every aspect of the home buying experience, from scheduling showings and attending inspections to reminding the seller's agent that the curtains convey with the home. It's the agent's job to have your back.
4. You're Going to Need Some Hand Holding
Buying a new home is a stressful experience. Even if the process is completely smooth and free from drama, there can still be questions that creep into your mind. Will you ever find a house that meets your needs? Are you offering too much? Are you offering too little? Why is the seller taking so long to decide? Realtors routinely keep clients calm during the home buying process.