It is imperative that you understand the difference between a Buyer’s Agent and a Selling Agent. Home buyers can receive undivided and confidential representation by establishing a relationship with a buyer’s agent. You DO NOT PAY the buyer’s agent, they are paid by the agent representing the seller of the home you eventually purchase. It is essential to have someone on your side looking after your best interests during the home buying process.

How Can a Buyer’s Agent Help Me?

Catena Armstrong and Laura Williams, Buyer’s Agents for Skye Bruce will:

  1. Set you up to receive daily email updates when all homes that meet your search criteria become available
  2. Set up appointments to show you available homes
  3. Assist you in finding a lender to meet your needs
  4. Assist you in structuring your offer for a home
  5. Share valuable and essential information about the homes you see such as

      a. Strengths and weaknesses of the property
      b. How long the property has been on the market
      c. The seller’s reason for selling and timetable
      d. Whether the seller might accept a lower price

  6. Submit the offer to purchase and NEGOTIATE ON YOUR BEHALF
  7. Walk you through the process between when you successfully negotiate a contract and actually move into the house

 

How can a Seller’s Agent represent me?

Without a buyer’s agent, you are really on your own. Keep in mind, the seller’s agent is actually working for the seller and is the seller’s legal representative. Yes, a seller’s agent can offer buyers some services, including showing them the home and the presentation of an offer. However they cannot disclose information not in the best interest of the seller such as an opinion of the home’s real value or what price and terms the seller would accept. By law, the seller’s agent must negotiate on behalf of the seller and may not withhold from the seller information that could strengthen their bargaining position. That means you, as a buyer, should be careful not to disclose to the seller’s agent any financial or personal information that could be used against you.

 

What does it cost to use a Buyer’s Agent?

Using a Buyer’s Agent is free to you. Laura and Catena are paid by funds set aside from the seller of the home you eventually purchase to be used to pay the agent that represents the purchaser.