In my search to buy, do I need a buyer's agent?
In your search to buy do you need a buyer's agent? The short answer is
YES, YOU ARE BEST SERVED BY A HAVING A GOOD BUYER'S AGENT IN YOUR SEARCH.
What you want is a broker who understands the market, the home-buying process, and your needs.
A good buyer's agent will do the following:
Track the market and alert you to new listings of interest.
Preview properties upon request and arrange showings by appointment.
Complete a market analysis of any property of interest to you.
Prepare and present your offer(s).
Communicate with you on a regular basis and remain engaged in your search from start to finish.
Guide you through the transaction process from offer to purchase & sale to closing - and beyond.
If you are searching in more than one area, have your buyer's agent in your primary area refer you to a reliable agent or agents in the secondary markets you are also exploring or searching in.
If you are signing a buyer's agency agreement (which is a good idea, by the way, with a good buyer's agent), be sure to review the terms and conditions of the agreement. Understand if you have the opportunity to exit the agreement - in my view, this is always a good idea, in case the relationship is not working out and/or the agent is not doing his or her job.
Some people think there is an advantage in bidding directly through the listing agent for the seller. In my experience as a top agent since 1999 in Cambridge and Somerville, I have not found this to be true. Most all real estate transactions involve two agents - the listing agent for the seller and the buyer's agent for the buyer. A buyer benefits by the insight, advice and counsel of a good buyer's agent.
It's important to remember that your relationship with your buyer's agent is a partnership. Both the buyer and the buyer's agent have responsibilities. A good buyer's agent makes known to you what you need to do and reminds you along the way. A good buyer's agent helps you understand the decisions you are making. If you are more aware and more informed as you proceed forward, your real estate experience becomes more meaningful and less stressful.
I help Buyers BUY and Sellers SELL in Cambridge and Somerville, MA. Here to help you. Let's talk.
Call me at 617-733-8937 or email me.
See answers to frequently asked real estate questions at AskCharlesCherney.com
Check out all editions of the Cambridge Somerville Buy Sell Report at CharlesCherneyBuySellReport.com