One of the great things about real estate is that you do not have to do it alone. If you are in the market for a home or investment property, a buyer’s agent can help you sort through available listings, find the properties that match your needs, and walk you through the entire process. Plus, she will share her knowledge with you, cluing you into the purchasing process as well as providing necessary information about the neighborhood and the homes you are researching.
Unfortunately, many people do not think they need a Realtor. With so much information online, they figure they can do it all themselves. This means they are missing out on all the value a buyer’s agent provides.
What is a buyer’s agent?
A buyer’s agent is a Realtor who assists individuals interested in purchasing real estate. She represents the buyer’s interests throughout every part of the process, from seeking out properties to closing. She is basically a buyer’s right-hand woman.
Who should use a buyer’s agent?
If you are in the market for a home, you should use a buyer’s agent.
That may sound overly simplistic, but it is true. A buyer’s agent will help keep your best interest in the forefront. Having a buyer’s agent helps even the field and makes sure that you have a knowledgeable voice at the table. Whereas a listing agent must keep her seller in mind throughout the process, a buyer’s agent will focus on your needs and provide important real estate insight.
For example, let’s say that you are viewing a house that has been on the market for 30 days. Right now, that’s a long time for a home to be on the market. Your buyer’s agent will help identify any reasons that the home may not have already sold so that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.
What does a buyer’s agent do?
Expertise
Your buyer’s agent will be your primary source of real estate expertise. She will know what is going on in the industry and share what you can expect in terms of housing availability and costs. For example, if there is a low housing inventory she will let you know and help provide you with a strategy for getting the home that you want.
Scheduling Showings
Your buyer’s agent will arrange showings for you, ensuring you can see the homes on your wishlist. She will play point-person and handle scheduling with the listing agents so that you can focus on inspecting each home instead of the behind-the-scenes logistics. She will learn about your wants and needs so she can share any exciting prospects and help you find your dream home.
Research
When you have a buyer’s agent on your side, it is like having a research team focused on ensuring your happiness. Your buyer’s agent will clue you into what the neighborhood is like, which schools are the best, etc. Because your buyer’s agent is a real estate professional, she makes it her business to know everything about the different neighborhoods she serves. She will help you better understand what living in a particular home or area will mean for you so that you can take it into account when considering whether or not to put in an offer.
Advise & Negotiate
And speaking of offers—your buyer’s agent will also help you figure out what to offer on a home and negotiate with the seller’s agent to help you get the best deal.
Buying a home can be a complex operation. When you have a skilled Tampa buyer’s agent on your side, you will have access to the knowledge you need to navigate the home-buying process smoothly. She and her team will track and handle all the paperwork to make sure there are no hiccups.
For example, your buyer’s agent will explain the entire purchase process, from placing an offer to signing the final contract. She will provide you with recommendations to a mortgage professional and a home and termite inspector. If something arises with inspections, like if the home needs a new roof, she will help you negotiate so that the roof is either fixed before closing or the cost of replacement is subtracted from the selling price.
Who pays for a buyer’s agent?
The seller covers the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
All-in-all, a buyer’s agent is essentially a free-to-you resource for ensuring you get your dream home at the best price possible.
As a Tampa native, I have a deep understanding and knowledge for the different neighborhoods and communities in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. I love helping my neighbors find their dream homes and welcoming new people into this amazing area. If you are looking for a new home in the area or relocating to Tampa or the surrounding communities, let’s talk. I can help you better understand the local real estate market and track down the homes that best meet your needs and wants. Ready to get started? Let’s schedule a time to chat.