Buyer Beware!

It amazes me how so many people still don't understand the need for a realtor when buying a home. for instance... I ran into an old friend the other day going to my real estate office (Keller Williams) and here walks up my friend and her husband. We greeted each other and then I asked why they were there so bright and early on a Wednseday morning. Her answer, "We are buying a house." I replied, "And you didn't call me?" I said this with a smile on my face and seriously was happy for them. I assumed immediately that they had signed up with another friend from the same realty office. Her husband chided in and told me that his wife had mentioned a time or two that she should call me to help with their home search. I asked, "Who is your agent?" My friend then said very shyly, "Well... we are using the seller's agent." I wished them a wonderful day and went on to my business meeting leaving them so they could go and tend to their business of house buying.

Now, I can tell you what I really wanted to tell them, but it was too late to help them and I most certainly didn't want to hurt their feelings. After all, we are friends. I am writing this in the hopes that it saves you the reader heartache when it is time for you to purchase your new/next home.

Having your own REALTOR when buying a home can help you in so many ways and best of all most times the commission is the seller's responsibility! Here is a list just off the top of my head and I am sure there are more reasons to have a buyer's agent:

* Save time - Realtors can find homes with your want list and their extensive Multiple Listing Services.

* Save gas - Realtors can view the homes and see in person if they fit your wish list.

* Less stress - Realtors can be your negotiator when it comes to making/accepting/rejecting offers and counter offers.

* Save expense - Realtors can assist you with obtaining a certified inspector. If the inspector finds expensive issues with the house your agent can help you with withdrawing your offer on the house, or counter offer that the owner pays for repairs.

* Your buyer's agent is with you from the looking stage to the closing table. They have your back! Most people do not realize that if you the buyer discloses information to the buyer's agent (such as you could pay X number of dollars more than their asking price) they are obligated to tell their client (the seller) that disclosed information. No one really has your back on the deal. Now I will say there are a great many agents out there that are honest and fair, but even they will be representing their client (the seller) and not the buyer if/when thing go sideways.

Be safe, be sure, be diligent, and contract with a buyer's agent when you start your home buying process.