- What is a buyer's agent?
Do I really need one?
And how much does that cost?
That is what we're talking about today.
So let's dive in.
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What is a buyer's agent?
Do I really need one?
How much does it cost?
And can't I get a better deal
when I deal directly with the listing agent?
I'm Daphne Bousquet with Fayette
and Peachtree City Homes and Lifestyles
for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.
And that is what we are talking about today.
Let's talk buyer's agents.
Contrary to popular belief,
a buyer's agent is not just somebody
who opens the door for you and finds you a house.
No, a buyer's agent represents your interests
and negotiates with the seller on your behalf,
when you are buying a home.
When you deal with the listing agent
or a sales agent at like a Model Home Sales Center
for new construction, they represent the seller
or the builder, which is the seller.
Even when they tell you that they can help you,
they don't have your interest at heart
because they have the loyalty to the seller.
And if they help you, it's a conflict of interest.
You are best served if you have your own buyers agents.
Here are some more reasons why you need a buyer's agent.
Buyer's agents are there to make sure
that you do not overpay for your new home.
They can pull the comps, the comparable properties
and show you exactly what that house would be worth.
If there are no comps at all that support the asking price,
they can show the listing agent that,
Hey, this is what we're offering,
because we feel this is what it's worth and here's why.
And when they write the offer, they know what to ask for
that you may not have thought about.
Anything from a termite letter, a termite bond,
home warranty.
If you're on septic, making sure that it is pumped
on the seller's dime.
So there are a lot of things
that you may not even think about
that your buyer's agent will ask for you.
Buyers agents also protect your interest
by using the correct legal forms
and contingencies and exhibits,
just so that everything stays on the up and up and legal.
They protect your interest with those contingencies
and deadlines, and they track those deadlines to make sure
that they do not pass without the legal obligations
being fulfilled, because if they don't,
you could lose your earnest money and the deal.
Buyer's agents also negotiate repairs
during the due diligence period,
because you want to buy exactly
what you think you're buying.
If there's anything wrong with the house you want to know
so you want to always do an inspection on that.
And then your buyer's agent during the due diligence period
can negotiate those repairs,
anything major that is going on,
you want to make sure that that is taken care of
and your buyer's agent can advise you
what the best things to ask for are.
If the sellers don't cooperate,
or if you cannot come to an agreement,
your buyer's agent will make sure that
they terminate the deal before due diligence period ends
because otherwise you could be on the hook
for your earnest money.
So your buyer's agents protects your earnest money
and protects you in the transaction.
And the best part about buyer's agents, they are free.
You don't even pay for them.
The seller pays for them.
So that is an extra bonus.
So make sure that you have your own buyer's agent.
I would love to be that for you,
and you can download my buyer's guide right down here
in the description.
And if you liked this video, give it a thumbs up
and subscribe to this channel
so that you never miss a video.
They come out every Monday.
So I'll see you next week.