Time and time again I hear the horror stories about homebuyers working directly with the listing agent as opposed to hiring their own agent when writing purchase offers. The reason is always the same, “we thought we had to in order to get the house”. SMH. In this article, I’m going to explain why working directly with the listing agent you’ll end up spending more money and worst not know what you’re buying in some cases. We’ll also highlight the reasons for having your own representation is 100% always the smart decision.

When making a significant purchase or decision, people usually, look for an unbiased opinion to assist and guide them through the process. Or they look for legal consultants to help safeguard their interests in fields well beyond their experience and expertise, correct? For instance, doesn’t a suspect in a court of law seek the knowledge and services of a lawyer? Would you go to court unrepresented asking the other guys attorney for advice? Of course not! So why would you think it’s okay to ask the other guys real estate broker?

Before we jump in, I think it’s important I tell you that I totally get it if you’ve fallen for the listing agent trap. Today’s digital information age can fog up your glasses walking you into the trap. Especially since you don’t buy and sell real estate on a daily bases. There is just so much information online and when you walk into an open house unrepresented more than likely you’re going to shake hands with the listing agent. To help you get a better understanding of why working with your own Realtor is the smart decision, here are the top three reasons.

They are buyer’s agent experts.

When it comes to buying real estates, hiring a professional buyer’s specialist will ensure that you are protected from drafting an offer all the way to the recording of title. The inspection period can be overwhelming with multiple systems troubleshot. This is the time to create a material facts list so you know the property condition, and you’ll also have fuel to ask the seller for a price reduction or credits towards your closing fees. Then the appraisal period and loan contingencies are next. Your agent is responsible for tracking the appraisal and working with the loan underwriter. If your loan has conditions your agent is readily available to help you.

What the listing agent will do for you.

Absolutely nothing. They may be kind enough to give you an inspector referral, but it’s up to you to interpret the findings and set up secondary inspections if needed. You’re on your own. If you’re not a general contractor or understand property systems and how to gauge their serviceable life span you’re gonna be in trouble.

They boast vast neighborhood knowledge.

Real estate agents are experts when it comes to identifying the industry buzz – what’s the next best spot to buy a home or invest. Besides just being able to spot comparable sales as well as provide you with these facts, buyer’s agents can also direct you to where you can acquire more information on fundamental neighborhood elements such as schools, social amenities, demographics, or even crime.

For instance, while you may be informed about the selling price of a house down the street, your buyer’s agent will have exclusive information about the house like whether the house has been updated or that it sold at a particular price after falling out of escrow.

They offer accurate price guidance.

The listing agent will draft you an offer. Not help you negotiate the best price. Your agent can help you understand the current fair market value on the house or condo. They may create a CMA (comparable market analysis) or a BCO (broker price opinion) to help show you with data what’s up in the market. You should also take into consideration how long the property has been on the market for sale. All of this information will help guide you towards a fair offer price for the property.

What the listing agent will do for you.

Absolutely nothing. They’re contractually obligated to encourage you to spend as much money as possible, plus, it’s in the listing agents best interest as their paycheck is based on how much you spend on the house.

Conclusion :

Make no mistakes the listing agent is working for the seller, not you. As long as the seller isn’t unreasonable a buyer’s agent should be able to save you a lot of time, energy, and money.

Guess what? I saved the best news for last. Working with a buyer’s agent is absolutely free! The seller pays a listing commission fee to the listing agent who shares his fee with an agent who brings a willing and able buyer. Working with a buyers agent saves you time, energy, and money. Plus, it doesn’t cost you a dime.

Don’t Be A Fool! Work with A Buyer’s Real Estate Agent by Glenn Shellhamer | Realty Biz News