How Exactly Can Buyer’s and Seller’s Agents Help You?
While most people are well aware that there are buyer’s agents and seller’s agents in real estate, many people aren’t aware of exactly how each can help you in the sale or purchase of a home.
In my experience, buyer’s agents often get overlooked because people think that going right to the source, or the agent who is selling the home they are interested in, is the best way to go—but this isn’t always true. A good buyer’s agent is a necessity for anyone looking to purchase a new home. Buyer’s agents can save you a lot of time and money when it comes to negotiating real estate. Also, they typically work free of charge for the buyer because their commission is tied to the listing of the home as a pre-determined payout, so if a listing agent does both sides their main priority is the same as the seller—to get the most for the home. A good buyer’s agent can also help you tremendously when it comes to For Sale By Owner properties, as they can determine they are asking a fair price in comparison with other similar properties and they have the knowledge and experience to make accurate market evaluations. Negotiating a price is a huge benefit that is in their tool bag for other reasons, especially due to the fact that many times sellers are emotionally attached to their homes and may not understand that their asking price isn’t a reasonable or fair market price. Buyer’s agents also draw up legal documents that will protect you all the way through the transaction, and they will guide you through all of the necessary inspections to ensure that everything is favorable should you choose to move forward with buying that particular house. Moreover, when considering the purchase of a home that may need updating, knowing what you will need to put into the home and comparing that with the value it will add is essential as you do not get a dollar-for-dollar return on updates.
Selling a house differs by agent; there are agents who are out in full force moving and shaking and getting plenty of houses sold, while there are also agents who are happy investing their energy in selling a few houses per year. So when you are selling your home, it is important to go with who is going to provide you a better service for your dollar. With respect to listing your home, seller’s agents all have varying marketing plans and commission arrangements in place, many of which are designed to get houses sold quickly and for the highest amount. This is all part of the mutually beneficial relationship formed between the agent and the homeowner. Seller’s agents also have an eye for things that are attractive to buyers, so they will offer recommendations about decorations, uncluttering and other easy things you can do to get the most value out of your home.
As this is likely one of the most major investments in your life, whether buying or selling you home, it is important to work with someone who is really knowledgeable of the local market but also easy to work with and someone who will be able to lighten your load and set your mind at ease. Personally, I take pride in having grown up in Lincoln, which gives me an advantage of being very familiar with the market. I take a laid back but honest approach, and as I typically work with buyers, I find that pointing out everything that is wrong first allows me to gauge my clients really well. If they still want to move ahead, it is likely a good fit that is worth pursuing.
Finding the best fit in terms of who you feel the most comfortable working with is equally important for your buyer’s or seller’s agent, as they will be in and out of your house and a part of your daily life for as long as the process takes. Always remember that when buying or selling a home, a good agent is essential.
by JR Knopp, Realtor
402-202-2871