The Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing a Home, Says a Coldwell Banker Agent
As the real estate market shifts it's more important than ever to be represented by a buyer's agent when buying a home, according to a long-time Realtor.
Orem, UT, April 18, 2019 --(PR.com)-- As the spring home buying season begins to pick up speed buyers are starting to emerge from the winter doldrums.
“Utah is fortunate to have a buyer agency law so when a buyer hires an agent that agent is representing only that buyer,” Realtor Rodger Hardy said. “This is one of few industries where you can hire someone to help you and not pay them directly, with few exceptions. Sellers collect the commissions for both buyers and sellers.
“By law, buyer’s agents must represent the best interests of their clients. So when you hire a buyers agent to help you buy a home, that agent is responsible to put your interests before his or hers,” he said.
“This is a very exciting time in your life, so you don’t want to make a mistake. Having the right buyers agent will help you get it right.”
About 90 percent of the homes on the market are listed with agents who represent the seller and the best interests of the home seller just like an attorney represents the best interests of his client and not the person on the other side.
“If you’re looking at homes with an agent, and haven’t yet hired that agent to represent you, the agent is actually representing the interests of the seller, not you,” he cautioned.
“So it’s important that you sign a buyers agency agreement early in the process to obligate your agent to look out only for your best interests and give you the legal protection you deserve. After all, buying a house is probably the most important purchase you make in life.”
So what do you look for in a buyer’s agent? Here are Hardy’s top 10 reasons to hire your own agent:
1. It’s free. Both the agency agreement and the listing contract have the seller paying the buyer’s agent. However, some discount brokerages write the listing agreement to have the buyer paying some of that commission.
2. Buyer’s agents know what to look for when showing homes and can point out potential problems and suggest that a professional review any issues. Your Due Diligence Disclosure will guide you in your responsibilities and the professionals who can assist you through any issues with the house.
3. A buyer’s agent understands the local market. Every real estate market is different and a buyer’s agent can guide you while looking a homes and making offers according to that market.
4. A buyer’s agent can help you with financing by suggesting the loan officers who can best evaluate your situation and the loan product to use. Buyer’s agents work hand-in-hand with loan officers.
5. A buyer’s agent will coordinate showings, which can be a bit tricky at times. He or she is responsible for helping you get into all the homes you want to see and to determine if they are still available.
6. A buyer’s agent knows how to write a real estate contract and the accompanying addenda that may be required in your situation. He or she is responsible for seeing that all contracts are executed in timely manner within set deadlines. In doing so he is responsible for protecting your earnest money after you make an offer.
7. A buyer’s agent has access to other professionals you may need during a transaction. They may include a loan officer, home inspector and other service providers
8. A buyer’s agent is your counselor and negotiator. Buyer’s agents don’t just open doors and show you houses. They know the market and can assist you in guiding you on price, making an offer, working with the title company, the lender and meeting critical deadlines.
9. Keeping the transaction on schedule is also the buyer’s agent’s responsibility. Delays happen and can be frustrating, but the right buyer’s agent knows how to keep the deal going to a successful conclusion.
10. While agents try to make buying a home stress free, buying a home is an emotional experience and can get the best of you. You buyer’s agent can be your emotional filter. He can help you avoid making rash decisions and stay on track if you listen and trust him or her. Your agent can help you weigh the pros and cons of which house to buy and whether you should stick with that decision.
Rodger Hardy is affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Orem, Utah office. For more information he can be reached at 801-360-9133. His website is www.RodgerHardy.com.
“Utah is fortunate to have a buyer agency law so when a buyer hires an agent that agent is representing only that buyer,” Realtor Rodger Hardy said. “This is one of few industries where you can hire someone to help you and not pay them directly, with few exceptions. Sellers collect the commissions for both buyers and sellers.
“By law, buyer’s agents must represent the best interests of their clients. So when you hire a buyers agent to help you buy a home, that agent is responsible to put your interests before his or hers,” he said.
“This is a very exciting time in your life, so you don’t want to make a mistake. Having the right buyers agent will help you get it right.”
About 90 percent of the homes on the market are listed with agents who represent the seller and the best interests of the home seller just like an attorney represents the best interests of his client and not the person on the other side.
“If you’re looking at homes with an agent, and haven’t yet hired that agent to represent you, the agent is actually representing the interests of the seller, not you,” he cautioned.
“So it’s important that you sign a buyers agency agreement early in the process to obligate your agent to look out only for your best interests and give you the legal protection you deserve. After all, buying a house is probably the most important purchase you make in life.”
So what do you look for in a buyer’s agent? Here are Hardy’s top 10 reasons to hire your own agent:
1. It’s free. Both the agency agreement and the listing contract have the seller paying the buyer’s agent. However, some discount brokerages write the listing agreement to have the buyer paying some of that commission.
2. Buyer’s agents know what to look for when showing homes and can point out potential problems and suggest that a professional review any issues. Your Due Diligence Disclosure will guide you in your responsibilities and the professionals who can assist you through any issues with the house.
3. A buyer’s agent understands the local market. Every real estate market is different and a buyer’s agent can guide you while looking a homes and making offers according to that market.
4. A buyer’s agent can help you with financing by suggesting the loan officers who can best evaluate your situation and the loan product to use. Buyer’s agents work hand-in-hand with loan officers.
5. A buyer’s agent will coordinate showings, which can be a bit tricky at times. He or she is responsible for helping you get into all the homes you want to see and to determine if they are still available.
6. A buyer’s agent knows how to write a real estate contract and the accompanying addenda that may be required in your situation. He or she is responsible for seeing that all contracts are executed in timely manner within set deadlines. In doing so he is responsible for protecting your earnest money after you make an offer.
7. A buyer’s agent has access to other professionals you may need during a transaction. They may include a loan officer, home inspector and other service providers
8. A buyer’s agent is your counselor and negotiator. Buyer’s agents don’t just open doors and show you houses. They know the market and can assist you in guiding you on price, making an offer, working with the title company, the lender and meeting critical deadlines.
9. Keeping the transaction on schedule is also the buyer’s agent’s responsibility. Delays happen and can be frustrating, but the right buyer’s agent knows how to keep the deal going to a successful conclusion.
10. While agents try to make buying a home stress free, buying a home is an emotional experience and can get the best of you. You buyer’s agent can be your emotional filter. He can help you avoid making rash decisions and stay on track if you listen and trust him or her. Your agent can help you weigh the pros and cons of which house to buy and whether you should stick with that decision.
Rodger Hardy is affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Orem, Utah office. For more information he can be reached at 801-360-9133. His website is www.RodgerHardy.com.
Contact
Rodger L. Hardy, Realtor
Rodger L. Hardy
801-360-9133
www.RodgerHardy.com
Rodger L. Hardy
801-360-9133
www.RodgerHardy.com
Contact
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