What a Buyer’s Agent Does
Sellers often use agents to represent them; similarly, you can enlist an agent to work on your behalf as a homebuyer. Using a buyer’s agent could end up saving you a ton of time, hassle and expense.
Sellers often use agents to represent them; similarly, you can enlist an agent to work on your behalf as a homebuyer. Using a buyer’s agent could end up saving you a ton of time, hassle and expense.
Agents may be more knowledgeable than you about the neighborhood, and they could give you access to more listings (including those For Sale By Owner, or FSBO). They could also prevent you from overpaying on a property and help you decide on the right offer.
Your agent can serve as a buffer between you and pushy seller’s agents or sellers.
The agent can put you in touch with mortgage lenders and home inspectors, and assist with other steps in the process.
Because really, who loves doing paperwork?
In return for these services, the buyer’s agent typically takes a commission between 2% and 3%. As the homebuyer, you don’t have to pay this, since the buyer’s agent fee is usually paid by the seller (and taken out of the seller’s agent’s commission). The convenience, guidance and free price make a buyer’s agent especially attractive for first-time homebuyers or those looking in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Protect their client’s financial information
Negotiate the best possible price for the buyer
Must disclose to the buyer if they are working with another buyer interested in the same property
Show all properties the buyer is interested in that fits their criteria and budget
Connect you with the service providers—inspectors, lenders, home warranty companies—to best suit your needs