Who is your agent really working for?

You want to purchase property. Maybe it's your 1st home, maybe your second, maybe an investment, or maybe for commercial use. The first question you must ask yourself is this – Is the Real Estate Agent really 100% loyal to me? Because, oddly enough, they don't have to be. So, who are they really working for? How does one protect their interests in an attempt to get the best property at the best price?

Well, the answer is fairly simple but unfortunately not often stated. You should select your own agent to work on your behalf. This way, they are working for you. Additionally, there are no additional costs in doing this (at least there shouldn’t be), in fact, statistically, a personal buyers agent normally saves the buyer money.

Now - Are all Buyers Agents created equal?
Not really, and here's why.

Sand trap #1 - While many agents will tell you they are a Buyers Agent they often times still take home listings. This means when you come to them looking for a home the first homes that run through their minds are the ones they listed to sell. Why? Because they make more money when they sell their listed homes rather than a home being sold via some other agent. What does this mean to you? It means they have a contract with the seller and therefore they cannot be 100% loyal to you. So when they show you the home they’ve selected (or the home you’ve called them on via the house front sign) they must ask you to sign a Dual Agency Disclosure form stating that you are about to give up some very important and very valuable rights. The right to Confidentiality and the right to Loyalty. Just to name two. This conflict is also the reason some agents show you homes that aren't really what you're looking for. It's because there is a shred of hope in their mind that you will buy the home and they will collect the full commission from the seller, which normally is shared with the agent of the buyer. I am a Dedicated Buyers Agent. I don’t list homes for sale. That would be a distraction. I only help buyers find the right home.

Is there more?
  Yes there is.

Sand trap #2 – Most all Real Estate Agents and Realtors™ work in an office following the rules of Traditional Agency. This means that what you tell someone in the office is not necessarily held in confidence from the other sales agents. That said, it is possible that saying the wrong thing at the wrong time could cost you dearly during the offer letter volley.

So, if giving up rights is not your idea of personal service, we should talk. I’ll offer my experience to take on the stress so that you may enjoy the home buying experience. And remember, I only work for Buyers so you can be 100% certain I’m always looking out for the best interest of my clients.