For years Georgia did not have a buyer agency law in place. As a matter of fact, the only party to have representation in the transaction was a seller. However, the state of Georgia passed a law that provides the buyer to have the representation as well, but with a few provisions.

First, the buyer needs to put his request for representation in writing by signing a contract with a real estate broker. And, this request needs to be in writing before going to look at houses and certainly before writing a contract. Without this request in writing, every agent the buyer talks to is technically representing the seller according to the way the law is written. So, why would you want everyone in the transaction representing the seller??

Well most don’t. However, the way the law is written, without a buyers agreement, the agent is obligated to protect the sellers price and interests and is NOT allowed to offer advice or opinion to the buyer.

Unfortunately, what this means is that any agent the unrepresented buyer talks to should not be given any confidential information as it may be used to the advantage of the seller, whom legally, the agent represents.

So, let’s say that a buyer, who decided not to sign a buyers agency agreement, decides to put an offer in on a home. The buyer has to tell the agent exactly what they want in the offer, without any advice or guidance being offered by the agent and the buyer may or may not understand the contract or the real estate process, can find himself in a world of hurt.

Ideally, the buyer should seek representation as soon as they are ready to look at houses. I recommend even before hand because there is a lot of education that goes into lending laws, pre approvals, etc that can save a buyer a boat load of time.

And Just a Few More Tips When Hiring a Buyers Agent:

· When you Google the Agent, What Do Their Clients Have to say about their services?

· If you are concerned about the commission, remember the commission is paid by the seller and can be negotiated with a for-sale-by-owner seller as well.

· Meet with the agent first; see if there is a comfort level with both the person’s knowledge and personality.

· ASK QUESTIONS!

Remember, it doesn’t cost you a thing to have us represent you, but it could end up saving you a fortune. Visit http://www.seasonsrealtygroup.com/Our-Team.html to learn more about how our EXCLUSIVE BUYERS AGENTS can help you succeed in a world of uncertainty!

Neighborhood LIFT Atlanta – February 2012

Attend a new and innovative homebuyer event

You may get the help you need to make

homeownership a real possibility

If you have been considering home ownership, one of the biggest challenges is coming up with the money for a down payment. You might have excellent credit, but have just not been able to get enough put away for the needed contribution you need to make when you purchase a home. Well, now you have an option!

Neighborhood Lift Atlanta is coming THIS weekend to the Georgia World Congress Center.

If you have a goal to become a homeowner, you won’t want to miss the Neighborhood LIFT^SM event, sponsored by Wells Fargo in collaboration with local non-profit organizations.

Date: February 10th and 11th
Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Exhibit Hall B1
285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
FREE PARKING: Please park in the Red Parking Deck. The Red Deck is at the end of Andrew Young International Blvd. Bring a copy of your event registration confirmation or tell the parking attendant that you’re with the Wells Fargo Neighborhood LIFT Atlanta event and you will be able to park for free. http://www.gwcc.com/directions/directions/BuildingB.aspx

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD LIFT, visit the website!

You May View a Flyer for Neighborhood LIFT here!

Keep in mind, when you register, it will ask if you ARE, or ARE NOT working with a real estate agent. You should ALWAYS be represented when buying a home! The Seller is represented by the Listing Agent, and you should have a Buyer’s Agent. Please feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions, or help you with the home buying process.

PLEASE NOTE: I WILL BE AT SPIRE CONDOMINIUMS, 860 PEACHTREE STREET, 30308 FOR BOTH DAYS OF THE EVENT. HERE IS THE HOME WE ARE SHOWCASING! PLEASE STOP BY AND VIEW IT AND IF I CAN ANSWER ANY HOME BUYING QUESTIONS I'D BE HAPPY TO!