What You Will Learn in This Article (Total Reading Time – 5 Minutes):

• Understanding what a Buyer’s agent does
• How can a Buyer’s agent help you during the house hunting process

It can be easy to get caught up in the fun of shopping for a home and overlook a financially devastating detail. When you buy a home in , there will most likely be a listing Agent to guide you through the process, but they are under contract with the seller — not you. When you hire a Realtor, you can be sure the agent’s priority is you.

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

Buyer’s agents and listing agents can both set up house tours for you, but a buyer’s agent is contracted by you to protect your best interests as a buyer. The listing agent, on the other hand, works for the seller and strives to get the seller the most money possible. A buyer’s agent will work on your behalf to negotiate the sales price, facilitate your home inspection, negotiate contingencies of the purchase agreement, and help you throughout the closing process. When you hire a Realtor, you will also gain the experience and knowledge of someone who is familiar with the area to help you find possible homes and point out issues you may not notice on your own.

Representation With No Cost

As a buyer, you do not pay the commission for the buyer’s agent — the seller is responsible for the commission for the listing agent and buyer’s agent. This means you get representation throughout the home-buying process at no cost when you hire a Realtor. Because the commission for agents is already wrapped into the home’s price, you’re really already paying for an agent anyway, so shouldn’t you get the protection of hiring one?

Assistance With Negotiations

When you hire a Realtor, you will gain the experience and expertise of a real estate professional while you negotiate the purchase price and contingencies with the seller. Your Realtor will advise you on an appropriate price based on comparable homes, negotiate on your behalf, and write up your contract. This is one important area in which your agent’s experience can save you money and avoid major pitfalls like buying a fixer-upper with serious defects.

Remember that most homes on the market have a listing agent skilled in negotiation. The decision to hire a Realtor ensures that your financial interests are protected during negotiations.

Guidance Through Setbacks

Even a straightforward real estate transaction can encounter hurdles. Did you know nearly one-third of all real estate transactions encounter a delay? According to the National Association of Realtors, the most common setbacks include problems with buyer financing, issues with home inspections, and appraisals that come in too low. There’s a good chance you may encounter a similar problem. When you hire a Realtor, you will gain expert advise on how to overcome these setbacks as well as a buffer between you and the seller or listing agent.

Find the Right Home

A buyer’s agent can be invaluable at helping you navigate the real estate market to find a home that fits your needs and wants. After a meeting to best understand exactly what you’re looking for, your budget, and your desired neighborhoods, your agent will provide you with listings that match your needs. From there, your agent can schedule house tours and even set up an itinerary to visit the homes that appeal to you.

During this home search process, your agent will offer familiarity with the area to help you understand how much a home that fits your needs should cost. You may also appreciate having someone to serve as an emotional filter as you tour homes. It can be easy to fall in love with a home’s architectural features, chef’s kitchen, or great view but overlook an aging roof. Hire a Realtor with local knowledge and you will get help finding a home you will love — without overpaying or getting in over your head.

Get Help With Mortgage Options

As a first-time buyer, choosing the right mortgage can be stressful and a bit overwhelming. An experienced agent can help you understand your many financing options to find the mortgage that’s best for your situation. Hire a Realtor with an in-depth understanding of mortgage options and you can potentially learn about programs for first-time buyers and mortgage solutions you weren’t aware of.

There’s no need to enter into a real estate contract without a professional to guide you through every step. The choice to hire a Realtor can make all the difference in reducing your stress, protecting your interests, and finding the right home for you — and you do not even need to pay for the service.

Buying your first home is a big decision and you don’t want to make any mistakes. It’s a smart idea to have a real estate professional by your side to help you avoid common pitfalls and settle into a beautiful home that you will enjoy for many years to come. Ready to hire a Realtor and begin your home search? At Evergreen Properties and Investments, we take pride in helping our clients make informed real estate decisions with a focus on customer service and knowledgeable advice. Contact us today to get started on your Long Beach house hunting.

From the Author: My name is Dan Barcelon and I believe that Real Estate can be one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever own. I’m dedicated to educating and guiding my clients on how to manage and leverage their homes to create an Evergreen legacy for themselves and their family. I primarily consult both home buyers and home sellers on reaching their personal and financial goals through Real Estate in the following cities of Southern California: Long Beach, Carson, Cerritos, Signal Hill,  Torrance,  Lakewood,  Cypress,  Downey,  Bellflower,  Norwalk,  Wilmington,  La Palma,  and Artesia. If you’d like to discuss if buying, selling, or investing in real estate is right for you at this time, feel free to reach out. You can call/text me at 562-270-5812, or you can e-mail me at [email protected].

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