Last Updated on September 9, 2022 by HortonTeam
Everyone knows that buying a home can be one of the most stressful events of your life. Not only is it usually the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, but there are also so many moving parts that the process can be overwhelming to someone not typically involved in the industry. How can you alleviate this problem? It’s simple: hire a buyer’s agent today!
1. They know what to look for in a home
Unless you’ve been involved in the real estate or contracting industries, there’s a good chance that you aren’t sure what to look for when it comes to quality housing features or components. Not only can this lighten your wallet, but it could also present dangerous situations if you’re unaware of any concerns that need to be addressed immediately. Aside from harmful situations, deciding to hire a buyer’s agent will also allow for discussion on price—there’s a good chance you may be under or overpaying for a specific home. With a deep understanding of the current local market, an educated buyer’s agent should be able to help you find the right home and extend a proper offer that is of value to both you and the seller.
2. They’re familiar with the home buying process and forms
This may be your first (or second, or third) rodeo, but this is what a buyer’s agent does for a living—why would you search without the expert? This same logic is the reason why most people take their car to a mechanic instead of working on it themselves. In more specific terms, buyer’s agents are familiar with the processes that take place while searching for or purchasing a home. Have you ever written a purchase contract? There’s a lot more that goes into it than one would think. A buyer’s agent will be able to successfully complete and present this contract, so that you are protected both financially and legally if something were to go wrong. Another intangible benefit you’ll receive when you hire a buyer’s agent is a tighter schedule when it comes to the transaction. These agents are able to keep tabs on the moving parts better than the average consumer, and they don’t have any emotional bias getting in the way that a consumer might have. When a buyer’s agent is working for you, your transaction will operate much more smoothly.
3. You’re getting more resources when you hire a buyer’s agent
When you hire a buyer’s agent, you’re getting much more than just a single agent. You’re also getting that agent’s network of professionals whom they already know and trust. Many people think that a home sale is as easy as the seller accepting an offer from a buyer, but it’s often much more complicated than that. It’s common for other entities, such as repairmen, contractors, pest control companies, or even bankers, to get involved. Wouldn’t you prefer to choose from a list of previously qualified and trusted individuals rather than interview them all on your own? There’s also a chance you’ll get the expertise of more than just one buyer’s agent. In the case of the Horton Team, your buyer’s agent will be working with an entire team who is dedicated to its clients and fulfilling their needs. Along the same lines, hiring a buyer’s agent will also give you access to their tools and programs that you might not have access to as a consumer. For example, the multiple listing service (MLS) is where feeds like Zillow, Homes.com, and other property sites receive their information. A buyer’s agent can use this MLS to set you up with property alerts so that you see them before the average consumer, or to give you information that may not be seen on Zillow.
When you hire a buyer’s agent, you’re getting much more than just a single agent. You’re also getting that agent’s network of professionals whom they already know and trust. Click To Tweet4. It’s FREE
Say whaaat? You read that correctly. There are still many people who don’t know that deciding to hire a buyer’s agent is completely free to the buyer. What about commission? Actually, the seller pays for these fees. Although there’s no mandatory commission percentage, contracts typically include that the seller pay a 6% commission. This is usually split in half—3% to the seller’s agent and 3% to the buyer’s agent. The confusion probably comes from the phrase “hire a buyer’s agent,” which is used throughout the industry. Although there’s generally no fee associated with this kind of agent, it’s still fair to think of the relationship and the agent as someone you are “hiring.” The reason for this line of thought is that an educated and dedicated buyer’s agent will work hard for you as their client in order to find you the perfect home, even if you aren’t the party compensating them.
With all these reasons (especially #4!) there’s really no reason not to use a buyer’s agent when searching for a home. The second best part—aside from the whole free thing—is that you’ll always have someone in your corner looking out for you. When it comes to the biggest investment of your life, the advantages of using a buyer’s agent are plentiful.
Are you thinking about buying a new home? Our Buyer Specialists would love to meet you and prove to you everything in this blog! Contact us here or by calling 812-518-0411 to get in touch with one of our Specialists and begin your home search today.
