The Benefits of Using a Buyer’s Agent to Purchase a House
Having a buyer’s agent is FREE to the buyer.
Some people think they can save money by not using a buyer’s agent. In most cases, this is simply not true; and in fact, it is usually just the opposite. In residential real estate, the commission is usually paid by the seller whether or not a buyer’s agent is involved. Where else can you employ the services and receive the benefits of a trained and experienced professional on your side for free?
A buyer’s agent looks out for your best interest at all times.
Your buyer’s agent has a legal and ethical responsibility to represent your best interest at all times. Some of the duties that your agent has to you include: loyalty to you, promoting your best interests, disclosing known material facts, maintaining confidential information, and accounting for any money they handle in the transaction. If your agent knows something about the seller that might influence your decision to buy or not or to lower your offering priced, they have a duty to disclose that to you subject to federal and fair housing laws.
A buyer’s agent makes life easier and reduces stress.
When you have a buyer’s agent, you don’t have to worry about driving neighborhoods for hours or worrying that you’re missing the house that would be perfect for you. You can spend your time doing the things you enjoy while the search is being handled by someone else who is a professional. Our experience will help minimize unpleasant surprises throughout the entire buying process. You would be surprised at how much we’re doing for you behind the scenes as your buyer’s agent to keep the deal moving forward towards a successful closing. You don’t have to worry about deadlines and “what ifs” because we’re tracking everything for you.
Having a buyer’s agent gives you full access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
The MLS is the database licensed Realtors® use to list properties for sale. As a member of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, your agent has access to the searchable database of MLS listings. We can ask you the right questions to determine what you are looking for and in what areas you are most interested. Once we know your price range and what you are looking for, we will use the full power of the MLS to help you find it. We will set you up with your own private search portal which will enable you to see all the listings available with your select search criteria. This portal will also send you emails as soon as any new listings matching your criteria become available.
Your agent takes care of all the paperwork.
From writing up the offer, to reviewing seller disclosures, to filling out escrow instructions, to reviewing the title work and closing documents…it’s nice to have a trained professional by your side to handle the paperwork and help you to understand what is contained in the documents. We’ve done this more than a time or two, and we’ll help you cross your t’s, dot your i’s, and follow up with all the parties involved making sure everyone hits their deadlines and follows through with their commitments.
A buyer’s agent is a great resource of industry specific knowledge.
We will educate you about market conditions and the best strategies for making an offer given the current conditions. We will answer all the questions that you will have about the home buying process, including explaining fair housing laws and agency relationships. Our duty is to give you the best and most accurate information to help you make the best possible informed decisions.
You benefit from our network of professionals.
Over the years, we’ve developed good working relationships with several home inspectors, mortgage lenders, title companies, tax and legal advisers, and other professionals. We’ll help you find the right professionals to ensure a successful buying process.