Buyers Agency...What does it mean for you?

In the ever changing real estate market, many people do not fully understand how a real estate professional is able to work for them.  On this page we will talk specifically about what can be expected when you hire a Realtor to work for you.  Please also visit my 10 tips for serious home buyers page.

It's true, almost all home searches now begin online but eventually most buyers will enlist the help of a real estate professional.  When that time comes, be sure you know what you are looking for and before meeting anyone at a property sit down at the real estate professional office and interview that agent.

The majority of real estate professionals belong to the National Association of Realtors.  In order to be a member in good standing and to call oneself a Realtor one must participate in additional ethics training classes and must adhere to the Realtor Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice.  Not all real estate professionals can call themselves Realtors, make sure the agent you are about to work with is a Realtor.

During your interview process ask questions about what you can expect should you decide to work with that professional.  Ask about the process they use to help you find a home.  You may want to ask for testimonials or even a referral from a past client that you could call.  When you ask these questions listen to the answers given and make sure you are comfortable with the answers you recieve.  One often overlooked portion of this process is to make sure you feel comfortable with this Relator and make sure your personalities match.  After all, you will be seeing and speaking with your realtor during this process more than you will speak to your family and friends.  Finally, if you have interviewed a realtor, and feel comfortable with everything, don't be afraid to sign a buyers agency contract thtat way you know the realtor is working hard for you and has your best interestes at heart.

Many buyers wonder why they need to sign a contract to buy a house.  There are many reason it is good to sign a contract.  For starters, by signing a contract you get the following duties owed to you by the Realtor

• Loyalty to the buyer by acting in the buyers best interest
• Confidentiality
• Make a continuous good faith effort to find the buyer a property
• Disclosure to all other properties about representation of the buyer
• Deal in Honesty and good faith
• Acountability

This is certainly not the complete list , but it helps you to see the value a buyers agency contract can bring.

Thinking about buying a home?  I'd love to interview for the job.  Call or email today to setup my interview.  I will discuss with you the process I follow to help make this transaction as smooth as possible during an otherwise stressful time.