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which is equal to or better than that of the Seller you are buying from.
The first thing a Seller does on entering the market is select an Agent, sign
an Agency Contract (commonly known as a Listing) and then stick with that
Agent for the duration of the contract. Astute Buyers seeing the
obvious benefits of Buyer Agency are now doing likewise!
An Agent's services and expertise are almost always FREE to Buyers,
yet many do not take advantage of this valuable resource. Many home buyers
still want to read the ads, make the phone calls and do all the leg work
themselves. In so doing, they risk tipping their hand to someone who's job
is to get the Seller the highest possible price. Surprisingly these
same buyers will tell you they only want to deal with the Listing Agent in
the mistaken belief that they will somehow be able to negotiate a better
price if only one Agent is involved in the transaction.
A qualified Buyers Agent will provide you with up to the minute
information on the market, check for new listings daily (including homes that
may not be actively listed) negotiate the lowest price and best possible
terms for you and then share in the commission paid by the Seller to his
Agent.
Using a Buyers Agent easily resolves a common complaint heard from Buyers -
annoyance at numerous Agents calling and soliciting their business.
Buyers who call only their own Agent don't have this problem as
other Agents are not even aware they are looking to buy!
Experience and market knowledge - as with most professions, experience pays. In a real estate transaction the dividends of experience can be huge. An experienced Agent knows the community, the market, the marketing process and how to negotiate and write a contract that fully protects your interests. Credibility and dedication to service - your Agent should share expertise and market knowledge with you in an honest, straightforward manner. You want a full-time accredited professional whose livelihood depends entirely on their ability to successfully and repeatedly close real estate transactions. Be prepared to give your loyalty in return for service. Your Agent should deliver market information and new listings on a regular basis. Regular feedback from you at this point is vitally important for your Agent to gauge the level of service you require - every Buyer has a different timetable. Professional Designations - these are a good indication the Agent has achieved a level of expertise and commitment that goes well beyond just obtaining a licence to sell real estate! Many of the same questions connected with seeking out professional assistance in any field - doctor, lawyer or accountant - come into play when selecting an Agent to represent you. Accredited Buyers Agents are generally elite professionals who adhere to strict standards of Buyer protection. The fact that an Agent is a Buyer's Agent doesn't mean they don't represent Sellers, it simply means they have a higher level of education and expertise in all aspects of negotiating and preparing contracts. You want them on your side of the table whether you are buying or selling!
Loyalty and regular feedback, nothing more - ALWAYS call your own Agent for information about any home that interests you, no matter who the home is listed with! When information is delivered, provide immediate feedback, whether the property interests you or not. This is especially important when they have taken time to research the market and prepare a report especially for you. You have an unsalaried self employed business person working for you free of charge - let them know you appreciate their efforts and they'll likely work twice as hard. Of course the nicest way to say "Thank You" is to refer your friends when they want to buy or sell! Once you have selected your Agent be fair to any others who offer their service. Tell them you are already represented so they can focus on working with Buyers who need their help. Complete the form below to locate an experienced "Buyers Agent" in your community. There is no obligation to deal with any Agent referred to you by this service. 
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