While anyone interested in purchasing a home has the alternative
of either doing it alone, or using the services of a licensed real
estate agent, I heartily recommend use of an agent. Of course, some
might say that my point of view is someone biased because I am a
licensed real estate salesperson in New York State, I truly believe that
a buyer's interests are better served using an agent. Statistically, buyers using an professional real estate agent, put themselves in the best position to achieve their objectives, and make the process less stressful, etc.
However, each individual should find and locate an agent that he feels comfortable with, and listens to your wants and needs, and places your interests first. In New York, an individual has the option of using an agent either as a Buyers Agent or a Sellers Agent. The difference is that while both have legal and fiduciary responsibilities, and are legally bound to the truth, a sellers agent's allegiance is to the seller (or homeowner) while a buyer's agent represents the buyer's interests. For that reason and others, a buyer is a Buyer's Agent's client, while being a Seller's Agent's customer. In New York State, each buyer is to receive a Disclosure Form upon the first serious real estate discussion, and this form explains the different forms of agency. I believe that it is in the best interests of most buyers to be represented by a Buyer's Agent. Doesn't it make sense to depend upon an agent who works for you, and effectively negotiates and uses his skills, to best serve you?
In today's internet savvy society, buyers are able to "look" online at publicly listed houses, and thus they can actually see much of the same information that the professional can. However, in most cases, the degree of detail is different, and professional, serious and qualify agents preview a large number of houses as they are listed on the market, and thus have a more three dimensional and realistic understanding of the house listed. Many houses appear better online than they do in person, and for some, one does not get the full perspective of a house from its listing. In addition, real estate professionals can answer questions for you about the area, including about transportation, school districts, shopping, etc.
A qualified real estate professional often makes a major difference for a buyer, especially when "hired" as a Buyer's Agent, in understanding and performing the necessary negotiating skills, understanding real estate "mentality," and once a "deal" is done, can usually offer excellent recommendations regarding real estate lawyers and home inspectors, etc. The professional can also often cut through some of the frustrating "red tape" that often "pops up" during the transaction.
Buyers should understand that the price of the house already includes the commission to any and all agents involved, and that it is paid out of the proceeds of the sale. That means that the Seller receives a net amount after the commission is deducted from the sale price. A quality Buyer's Agent will also help assure that appraisers used by lending institutions use the Comparables, that best compare the property to those that are, indeed similar, etc.
A qualified professional can offer a buyer peace of mind, "hand holding," professionalism, and expertise. I highly recommend that buyers take advantage of those qualifications, with the warning that a buyer should feel personally comfortable with whichever agent he selects.
However, each individual should find and locate an agent that he feels comfortable with, and listens to your wants and needs, and places your interests first. In New York, an individual has the option of using an agent either as a Buyers Agent or a Sellers Agent. The difference is that while both have legal and fiduciary responsibilities, and are legally bound to the truth, a sellers agent's allegiance is to the seller (or homeowner) while a buyer's agent represents the buyer's interests. For that reason and others, a buyer is a Buyer's Agent's client, while being a Seller's Agent's customer. In New York State, each buyer is to receive a Disclosure Form upon the first serious real estate discussion, and this form explains the different forms of agency. I believe that it is in the best interests of most buyers to be represented by a Buyer's Agent. Doesn't it make sense to depend upon an agent who works for you, and effectively negotiates and uses his skills, to best serve you?
In today's internet savvy society, buyers are able to "look" online at publicly listed houses, and thus they can actually see much of the same information that the professional can. However, in most cases, the degree of detail is different, and professional, serious and qualify agents preview a large number of houses as they are listed on the market, and thus have a more three dimensional and realistic understanding of the house listed. Many houses appear better online than they do in person, and for some, one does not get the full perspective of a house from its listing. In addition, real estate professionals can answer questions for you about the area, including about transportation, school districts, shopping, etc.
A qualified real estate professional often makes a major difference for a buyer, especially when "hired" as a Buyer's Agent, in understanding and performing the necessary negotiating skills, understanding real estate "mentality," and once a "deal" is done, can usually offer excellent recommendations regarding real estate lawyers and home inspectors, etc. The professional can also often cut through some of the frustrating "red tape" that often "pops up" during the transaction.
Buyers should understand that the price of the house already includes the commission to any and all agents involved, and that it is paid out of the proceeds of the sale. That means that the Seller receives a net amount after the commission is deducted from the sale price. A quality Buyer's Agent will also help assure that appraisers used by lending institutions use the Comparables, that best compare the property to those that are, indeed similar, etc.
A qualified professional can offer a buyer peace of mind, "hand holding," professionalism, and expertise. I highly recommend that buyers take advantage of those qualifications, with the warning that a buyer should feel personally comfortable with whichever agent he selects.
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