So you're thinking about buying home, but you've heard a lot of mixed messages out there about whether or not you should use an agent. It's a hard choice. Maybe you know an agent, and perhaps you think they aren't very good, so by extension none of them are good. Or maybe you don't know any, but you've been told working by yourself can enable you to drive a harder bargain. There are a lot of truths, half-truths, and not-so trues out there, but these top 10 Reasons for using a QUALIFIED BUYER AGENT should hold true. What's a Qualified Buyer Agent (QBA)? See below!

 

Real Estate Mistakes were Quite

Common in Ancient Asia
  1. We can save you time: There are many ways we can save you time, and time is an enormously valuable item. Do you know how much you make an hour? How much is your time worth? If we can cut your search time in half (and I can), how much is that worth to you? Probably a lot.
  2. We can save you money: Not always, but where we tend to help the most is to keep you from OVER paying. It's easy to identify desirable housing. But you (yes YOU!) may have things that you care about (Nice kitchen) and things that don't bother you (steep driveway). The market doesn't overlook anything, even if you are willing to, and generally that's where I see buyers make mistakes. They use the line, "Well, that's not a big deal and I can live with it" and that's great - but if others don't agree with you, you may have just overpaid. Since we work with lots of buyers, we generally have a good "sense" for what "the market" will pay for, and what it won't. I call it "working the bell curve". It's a good sanity check for any buyer.
  3. We know traffic patterns: If your moving to a new area, you may not know how difficult or convenient an area is. A experienced agent will, and lets face it, that can be a big deal.
  4. We know house styles. I'm always surprised at how many buyers aren't really familiar with stock housing styles. Right here, by explaining the pluses and minuses of each floor plan, we can greatly simplify your search - and ensure you'll be happier with your purchase. Did you know? Every floor plan has flaws.  Make sure you find the flaws in your next home!
  5. Ballpark Repair Estimates: You don't have time to bring contractors along everywhere you go, but budgeting is a key factor of any home purchase, and 80% of homes need something right away. Want to know what the range of costs to do that work might be? We can help.
  6. We have a good referral network. We generally have people that we have done business with that are trustful, diligent, and useful professionals. Attorneys, home inspectors, mortgage reps and loan officers. You do NOT want to let your fingers do the walking and get someone at random. Referrals are accountable, and done right they save everyone time and effort.
  7. We know what other people find popular. Why does that matter? Well, first, it means we know when to say "hurry up and go see it!" So that it doesn't disappear before you have a chance to decide on it. Second, don't you want your house to be popular when you sell it? Of course you do.
  8. Every deal has problems. Can't avoid it, almost every deal can get stuck. If you're not prepared to deal with septic paperwork, insect damage, mold, construction issues, repairs, contractual obligations, radon, wells, unusual building materials, floor plans, styles, and the personality issues of your transaction partner, you should work with someone who is. I'm fond of saying that every deal has problems, I just don't know which ones you will have. But when you have them, it's likely I've encountered them before, and can assist you in the resolution.
  9. It's generally FREE. In Massachusetts, 95% of the property is listed in MLS, and generally all those properties pay buyer agents upon successful sale. That means that you don't need to pay us for those top 8 reasons I've already listed. Think that by going it alone you can "cut out the middle man" and save the buyer agent co-broke? Not likely. Listing agents have contracts with sellers, and they have NO obligation to cut their collected fee (which typically includes the buyer agent fee), just because you came direct. Even whey they do cut the fee, it is rarely by the entire co-broke fee.
  10. We can help you SELL IT. You aren't thinking about this today, but sooner or later, everyone who buys one sells a home. You will too! Working with an agent today is a great way to see if you have a good personality fit, feel that you have a knowledgeable person, and a trusted advocate when you get ready to sell. Don't try to figure it all out in a one-hour listing presentation. Use that buy opportunity to get ready for the next go around. Besides, we're available for questions in between transactions too.

 

A Buyer Agent is an agent that works EXPRESSLY for the buyer, and holds their financial and other interests at heart. It is their job to protect buyers money, and strategy. To be a Qualified Buyer Agent, you need to have the requisite experience to assist your buyer in the given search area. If an agent can't help with the 10 items I've outlined here, I would suggest that they are not fully qualified.