Why a Buyer's Agent Is Important

Maryland Real Estate Podcast with Kathi Kershaw

As a buyer, how can you be sure you are protected? That is where the concept of buyer’s agency comes in.

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I often hear buyers who are beginning the home search process express frustration about having to fill out forms just to look at a home. Many wonder why this is even needed.

The reason this is necessary, though, is because it’s the law. We are required by law to inform you of any buyers’ agencies and have you sign the related disclosures.

This disclosure is not a formal agreement. It is simply a way for us to let you know how we’re operating.

In years past, at a time when I had just bought my first three houses, there was only such a thing as a seller’s agency.

Whether you were to work with an agent for three days or three months trying to find the right home, that agent would always only be working in the seller’s best interest. Asking questions like what you should offer would only result in answers like, “The seller wants full price.”

In short, there was no use in trying to coerce the agent into putting your wants or needs first. There was very little help for buyers in general. In fact, it was often not until the point where you got your keys to the house that you could be sure everything had gone right with the deal.

We can guarantee you the best terms by negotiating on your behalf.

The concept of buyer’s agency came about in California in 1990. Since then, I have worked only for buyers and their best interests.

Buyer’s agents are beneficial in a number of ways. They can perform a market analysis, help you make a good offer, and will negotiate with your best interest in mind.

While buyer’s agents can’t guarantee the best price 100% of the time, we can always guarantee to get you the best terms for you by negotiating on your behalf.

So how do you pick an agent? First of all, you need to get along with them. On top of that, you should ask how many homes they’ve sold. Even agents with the same number of years of experience could have a vastly different rate of success.

Having an agent who has sold a large volume of homes, who knows how to handle contracts and paperwork, and who knows what they’re doing is critical.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.