Buying
What is a Buyer’s Agent and Why Do I Need One?
Simply put, a Buyer’s agent helps home buyers navigate the Real Estate market. When you are making the biggest purchase of your life, you need to make sure you have someone on your side and looking out for your best interest. Between making your home selection easy, submitting and negotiating your offers, and making sure you are protected and informed all the way to the closing, it is essential that you have the right Buyer’s agent.
Here is a breakdown of what a Buyer’s agent does for you during your home buying process:
Finding your home/property
Most people are very familiar with the home inventory websites such as: Zillow, Trulia, etc. These sites offer inventory that is chosen once desired filters are put in such as: price, bedrooms, baths, and/or acreage. The problem with these sites is that they are not current and the information provided may not always be accurate. A Buyer’s agent has access to get you up to date info on your chosen parameters, and send you homes daily, so your searches are precise and current.
Viewing the home/property
Once you have chosen a few prospects, you will need the Buyer’s agent to set up a date and time with the owner of the property for you to view it. There are a few ways to do this and each listing is different, so having an agent to navigate this for you is very beneficial. The Buyer’s agent will set up the best routes to take and the order you will see the properties. They will be with you when you view them to answer any questions they can, or be able to contact the property owner or listing agent of that property directly.
Submitting an offer
Once you have found your home/property, you will want a Buyer’s agent doing the offer negotiating and preparing the official Offer Contract. An agent’s experience can help you save money and help counsel you to help avoid any red tape situations that may hold up the purchase.
Having access to a network of contacts
A Buyer’s agent will have a network of local businesses to help you through the process such as: Lenders, Inspectors, Closing Attorneys, Movers, etc. Having valuable recommendations can take the uncertainty out of this process for you.
Setback Negotiator and Problem Solver
A Buyer’s agent will aid in dealing with any setbacks or problems that may arise during Inspections or Appraisals. When problems are made evident in an Inspection report, you need to have a Buyer’s agent to negotiate what will need to be repaired and to make sure it is completed prior to the closing date. This is also where that network of contacts helps with trusted Contractors, Plumbers, Electricians, etc. This part of the process can make or break a deal, and having the experience of a Buyer’s agent looking out for your best interest, will help with making productive decisions and solutions.
Closing date
Your Buyer’s agent will set up the date and time with your chosen Closing attorney, and insure all the necessary documents and procedures have been completed prior to this date, so you can leave the closing office with the keys to your new home!
Working with Real Estate Brochure
In North Carolina, it is required by law for you to sign a “Working with Real Estate Brochure” which lays out your rights as a buyer/seller. Don’t be alarmed when your agent asks you to sign this, it is simply to protect you, with no obligation to that particular agent. Here is a link to the form if you would like to see the specifics.
Wondering how to choose the right Buyer’s Agent for you?
Check out our tips in our article “How do I Choose the Right Agent” for our tips.
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