Terilyn Jacobs

When purchasing a home a buyer's agent can watch your back and help you get the best deal. Today's market is buyer oriented but seller's will still try and take advantage even while their begging you to, "Please for God's sake buy my house". Most people that are looking to buy will scan the Internet for properties and then call the agent that is listing the house for sale. Not a good idea. The listing agent has a vested interest in selling that house. If they represent both sides of the transaction they are required to keep information from both parties involved, the buyer and the seller. This is perfectly ethical by real estate law since they are representing both of you to the best of their ability. However it is not in the buyer's best interest.

As a buyer in a buyer's market you have a lot of power that you should use to your advantage. A buyer's agent works for you alone. The seller pays the seller's agent commission for listing the house. The seller's agent then splits that commission with your agent. You do not have to pay a commission to be represented. Your agent can negotiate the seller paying some of the closing costs and make sure any possible problems with the house have been disclosed. They will walk you through closing and help you iron out financing problems that usually come up at the last minute.

A good agent will not try to pressure you to buy. A lot of new buyers don't seek representation because they are afraid they will buy something they don't like from a pushy agent. You can pick your agent and tell them exactly what you're looking for. If you don't like them or they seem pushy just fire them and find another. They're practically lining the streets these days looking for buyers and they want repeat business. This means it is in their best interest to make you happy. Find a good one and let them watch your back. That's what they're there for.