Published April 15, 2020
What Does Your Buyer's Agent Do For You?
Buying a home is a complicated process made a whole lot easier when you work with a seasoned buyer’s agent.
Buyer's agents help buyers navigate the real estate market and save them time and money, according to Realtor.com. The best part: they do it all at no cost to the buyer because they make a commission from the seller.
Here are five things a buyer’s agent does for you during the home-buying process.
1. Educates you about the housing market and home-buying process
Your agent knows the most up-to-date information about the market, especially if they are a part of a bigger organization. For example: Because the agents at Williamson Group work with William Keller Realty—the largest real estate company in the United States—they have access to listings before they hit the market and homes that aren’t marketed online.
Additionally, your agent also educates you about the home-buying process. From providing detailed guides to answering your questions, your agent ensures you understand what’s going on every step of the way.
2. Provides referrals for key professionals
From mortgage lenders to home inspectors, you’re going to want to work with tried-and-true professionals that have stellar ratings and even better customer service. If you work with an experienced agent, they’ll be able to recommend the best businesses in your area.
3. Guides you to your dream home
Your agent conducts an interview with you to discover your wants, needs, and non-negotiables. Then they create custom search criteria and a personal portal for you in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Your agent tours selected homes with you. While you focus on whether or not the home fulfills your lifestyle, your agent focuses on whether the value of the home is comparable to other homes in the market and if it shows signs of major maintenance or structural concerns.
4. Represents you in negotiations + handles the paperwork
Once you've found a home you love, your agent will guide you through submitting your offer. They write the strongest offer using market analysis to verify the property’s current market value and check-in with other agents to gather additional info about the property.
Once the offer is accepted, your buyer agent should have a contract-to-close team helping you navigate inspections and appraisals. They also explain all state and federally required disclosure forms, handle the sales contract, educate you on the contents of your sales contract, and ensure other additional forms are completed.
5. Gets you through closing – and beyond!
Your buyer’s agent is your advocate and advisor throughout the closing process. They review home inspection concerns, monitor contract deadlines, and coordinate communication. They also attend your final walk-through to ensure the home is in the same condition as when you entered the contract.
A good buyer’s agent doesn’t stop working for you on closing day. They help protect your investment by making sure you know how to handle your first tax return as a homeowner, helping you find contractors for maintenance and remodeling, and keeping track of your home’s value.
