To Buyers: Use an Agent to Represent Your Interests

I direct this post at those of you out there who might be thinking about buying a home but aren't sure if you need the services of an agent. 

Buyer representation is very important for a few reasons.  A buyer's agent will save you time and gas, they can find more homes than you might be able to on your own, they can negotiate with the listing agent, and they can guide you through the complex transaction that follows the choosing of your home.  

The reason I bring this up is that recently I have spoken with a few buyers who have been under the assumption that a buyer's agent would cost them something, and therefore wasn't worth their time.  To the contrary, the sellers pay out the commissions so you are basically getting all the help without paying a price.  

Furthermore, you want someone representing your interests when you are negotiation with a seller who has their interests represented by their agent.  Their agent will not look out for you even though they might say they will.  They have a fiduciary responsibility to their seller, and that's it.  

So when the time does come for you to buy a home, know that you can have someone on your side throughout the transaction and it won't cost you the commission.