Reasons to hire a Buyer Agent

October 19, 2008 in Home Buying, Home Selling
Tags: Hiring a Buyer Agent in SC

When it comes to purchasing Real Estate in South Carolina buyers have choices not only in the property but also in deciding which agent to hire to help them through the process and if they should be represented. 

 If a property is listed for sale the Listing Agent works for and is loyal to the seller.  As a buyer you should consider hiring an agent to work for you to protect and promote your interests.  A Buyer Agent can save you time and money on your purchase and assist you with issues that may arise in the buying process. 

Buyers are sometimes relunctant to sign a “Buyer Agency Contract” when all they want to do is buy a property and often do not understand why they need a Buyer Agent in the first place.  In order to hire an agent to work for you in a transaction you must have a written agreement with the agent.  The contract spells out the terms of the agreement including the fees and duration.  The choice to hire an agent is up to the consumer however there are good reasons that a Buyer Agent might be in your best interest when buying real estate.   

Most buyers begin their real estate search on the Internet or print ads and find properties that appeal to them before they ever contact an agent.  When you do call about a property that is advertised you are most often calling the listing agency.  They work for the seller.  If you find more than one property listed by several different agents you will need to spend your time calling each company making arrangements to view the properties.

If you hire a Buyer Agent they can assit you with any property listed and once you hire an agent to work for you they will be constantly searching new property listings that meet your needs and desires.  Depending on the market area you are searching, this can give you a huge advantage over unrepresented buyers. 

When you call the Listing Agent, they will be happy to show you property and submit an offer on your behalf but they are working for and loyal to the seller.  Their job is to get the seller the highest price possible and the most favorable terms for the seller.  Your Buyer Agent will not only submit offers for you but they will also negotiate promoting your interests.  Even if you find a property that is For Sale By Owner, it could be in your best interest to hire a Buyer Agent.

If you contact the Listing Agent on a property any information you give them could be used to the sellers advantage.  Your Buyer Agent is loyal to you and keeps your information confidential.  The Listing Agent must provide you with accurate information and disclosures but your Buyer Agent will work on your behalf using skill and care to promote your interests.

Once a property is under contract there are inspections, appraisals, lenders and attorneys and your Buyer Agent will work for you to make sure all deadlines are met according to the purchase contract.   If and when issues arise from inspections your Buyer Agent will also work on your behalf to resolve them as quickly as possible.

When it comes to buying Real Estate consumers have many choices.  Hiring a Buyer Agent should be given strong consideration for buyers in todays market.  Not only will they work to find you the property that meets your requirements they will work for you throughout the process.  Copyright©2008 Sandra Bundy, Broker-in-Charge, B&P, Inc. This work may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the Author.