Is Your Agent Getting Outfoxed at the Negotiating Table?
In every town, a few agents outsell all the others. Who is negotiating on your behalf? Any agent, or the agent that outsells others?
Your home is one of the biggest negotiations of your life. Mistakes can be extremely costly. How good is the agent representing YOU at the negotiating table?
BUYER REPRESENTATION
Isn't the agent who shows me homes representing me?
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Not necessarily. Unless you have a written agency agreement, the agent showing you homes may not represent you. In fact, that agent may represent the seller. If the agent represents the seller, everything you say can be carried back to the seller, thereby helping the seller make a better and more informed decision about how to deal with your offer. You may have given away several strategic negotiating advantages simply by opening your mouth to an agent that does not represent you.
You can ask YOUR agent (ie your BUYER Agent) to represent your best interests. That way, anything you say can be held in confidence. The agent would then have fiduciary duties to you and not the seller. It is a good idea to decide up-front in which capacity you want your agent to work with you. New York State Law requires up-front disclosure on this subject.
Town & Country Homes of Long Island, Inc. offers Buyer Agency to buyers at no additional cost. The fee is still being paid by the seller. Many people believe that whoever is paying the fee is who the loyalty is owed to. This just simply is not true. Agency has nothing to do with who pays the fee.
Who Pays the Fee?
Agents are usually paid from the Listing Broker who offers the property for sale on behalf of their Listed Seller Clients When no other Broker is involved and you buy a property directly from an owner, our fee will be included in your offer amount It is paid to us at the closing from the proceeds of the sale just like the bank,
the attorneys & all other professionals involved in the transaction.
"Don't ever buy a property directly from the listing broker. Having your own agent will help you get the best price and terms. It won't increase your costs, because your agent shares the commission with the listing broker. This percentage amount is previously determined in the listing agreement and will be paid according to that agreement, usually when the transaction closes."
Hume Publishing's SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE INVESTING *Hume's advisory board includes such notable experts as William E. Simon, Louis Rukeyser and Dr. Morton Shulman
"Get a broker on your side.In most states, real-estate agents work for the seller, not the buyer. This means that the agent wants to get the seller the best price possible. Using a buyer's broker, who has your best interest in mind, may help you shave thousands off a home's purchase price, mortgage or various other costs, and there is no fee to the consumer." Woman's Day suggests to find a buyer's broker, you should call one of the many referral services across the country such as Buyer's Trust 888-707-3669 "Cutting Your Expenses" by Karen J. Bannan was featured in the January 2nd. edition of Woman's Day Magazine
What can a Buyer's Agent do for me?
A buyers agent can do everything traditional agents do plus the following:
1. Locate and show targeted properties, showing both strengths and weaknesses.
2. Perform a market analysis to assist you in determining "Fair Market Value."
3. Advise client regarding offers on property.
4. Consult with client regarding counteroffers, contingencies, and negotiate on client's behalf.
5. Employ professional negotiating skills using market knowledge, and experience making sure the BUYER gets pays the lowest price and gets the property on the best terms.
6. Assist with favorable financing right "in the house" with the comfort and convenience of dealing with one person thru the whole transaction OR guidance with knowledge towards other financing options most favorable to you, the client.
7. Strict Confidentiality.
8. Full Involvement, support and guidance through the whole transaction.
What Are Some Benefits of Using a Buyer Agent?
When a relationship is created between the purchaser and the real estate agent, the agent must work in the buyer client's best interest at all times, thereby providing purchasers with the same level of representation traditionally given only to the seller. Here are just a few of the benefits you will receive from having your own personal representative when seeking to purchase property:
These are just a few of the benefits received from having your own personal buyer agent when purchasing. Considering that the majority of buyer agents are paid through the transaction or by the seller's agent, doesn't it just make good sense that you have the representation you deserve?
Call Town & Country Homes of LI to see how we can help you save thousands of $$$ on your next purchase. Ask for Olga Baram, Certified Buyer Representative Olga@homesofli.com or Shari Monahan Shari@homesofLI.com or Jake Babinsky, Acredited Buyer Representative JB@homesofLI.com specializing in REPRESENTING buyers!
631-360-6484