The majority of homebuyers want to save the most money possible when
they buy a home. One way they often try to save money is by not hiring
an agent. Since home sellers pay commission to both their listing agent
and the buyer’s agent, some homebuyers go directly to the listing agent
in an attempt to put the buyer agent’s commission back in their
pocket.While at face value this tactic seems to make sense, it typically
ends up costing the buyer a lot of money or prevents them from getting
into the house they love. Below are three reasons why hiring a buyer’s
agent first is the best move for a homebuyer.
Buyers are not market experts Most
buyers who aren’t working with an agent present an offer that is either
far too low or just a little bit high, expecting the seller to counter.
Unfortunately for these buyers, current market conditions combined with
new digital marketing channels often mean that many sellers are
receiving multiple purchase offers. If you miss the exact right value
coming in, then a better-informed buyer will get your home. Unguided,
inexperienced buyers often lose their dream home to an individual
working with an experienced buyer’s agent
In the end, the buyer winds up having to settle for a different home or ends up paying more than he or she planned.Listing agents want to please the sellerUnless
a homebuyer works in the real estate field daily, it is unlikely that
they possess enough knowledge about local housing market trends and home
values to make a sound offer.
Buyers should understand those
listing agents have their sellers’ best interests in mind, meaning they
work to maximize profits for the seller and ensure the seller receives
the best terms possible in the transaction. Negotiables such as closing
costs, home warranty fees or repair costs can work in the seller’s or
buyer’s favor. And you already know for whose the listing agents are
working.
To help sellers further, listing agents may imply to
potential buyers that there is high demand for a home to drive up the
offer price. Without a knowledgeable real estate agent, homebuyers
usually have no way of knowing precise market demand for a particular
house. So, they often end up overpaying due to fear of loss.
This
overpayment undermines the buyer’s intent in forgoing a buyer’s agent
in the first place. Since sellers won’t have to pay the buyer agent’s
commission fees, homebuyers working without a real estate agent are
hoping to have the seller lower their overall asking price. While some
sellers might agree to this, the homebuyers may still overpay if the
initial asking price is not representative of actual market value.
The purchase agreement is more flexible than it seemsHomebuyers
aren’t experts in real estate contracts, and they will have to rely on
the listing agent to craft the purchase agreement. Unfortunately, this
leaves the homebuyer at a considerable disadvantage.
Knowledgeable
buyer’s agents know exactly how to use the purchase agreement to reduce
costs for their homebuyer. Similarly, listing agents are well versed in
how to use the purchase agreement to maximize profits for their
sellers.
Listing agents love working with agentless buyers because
it almost always helps to exceed the bottom line expectations for the
seller.It is possible to purchase a home without using a
buyer’s agent, but it often costs homebuyers more money than they save.
Before making any decisions about whether or not to use a real estate
agent, take some time to interview home buying specialists in Moorhead Real Estate
or Fargo Real Estate and find out how they can save you money. You can always
interview agents and still decide to do it alone.
Modern
Market Realtors advice to you is to work with an agent who will use
their knowledge of supply and demand in your specific niche of the
housing market to help you understand the real market value of the home
you wish to buy.
Have a great day Shannon Barnum and Jim Christl
FargoHomeSearch.com