Why a buyer’s agent?

Aren’t agents all the same?

And why do I need an agent at all?

These are some common questions asked by buyers...

Buying a home is like buying shoes.

At the corner shoe store the clerk will try to sell you the shoes on his rack. Specifically the red ones that are ½ size too small. Why? Because you are in his store and he only makes money if you buy his shoes. Whether they fit or not and at his price whether it is right or not.

Or…

If you go to a mall full of stores you see lots of shoes. You have lots of choices. And you can compare prices. But every sales clerk still wants you to buy his shoes. You do lots of work going from store to store. And mall to mall. And just when you make up your mind… they either don’t have your size or the sale ended! Everyone wants your money but no one cares about the color or the “fit." Just like going from ad to ad, from sign to sign, and from seller’s agent to sellers agent.

But then there’s you…

You get smart. You get a ‘personal shopper’ to go store to store and mall to mall to check out the shoes for you. But first the shopper confirms your size. And your favorite color too. Then you relax while your ‘personal shopper’ does the work.

When the choices are offered there are only good ones to choose between. And no self-motivated sales clerks to pitch one or the other. The ‘personal shopper’ investigates the quality, locates the right color, tries the fit, and absorbs the hassle. Why? Because the ‘personal shopper’ only gets paid when you’re happy… Right shoes, right price, less time, no hassle. Just like a buyers agent.

Negotiation of
Real Estate Sales Contracts 101 

Real estate contracts are negotiated between buyer and seller using advocates (agents) for each side. The parties can choose to use the same advocate or have independent advocates who are bound to serve one party exclusively.

Buyers and sellers have very different goals. The seller wants the most money he can get for his home. The buyer wants to pay only the “right price” considering the market and the condition of the home.

The seller puts on the “best face” for his property. He and his agent have dressed up the property and produced attractive advertising to present the owner’s house for sale in the best light. You, the buyer, must be a detective. You must scour the market to understand comparable sales and discover the true condition of the property. Many facts about the property can go undiscovered without knowledgeable assistance.

"Seller" Representation:

When you see a real estate firm’s ad or a sign on a property for sale, the agent that listed the property in that firm represents the seller. The firm representing the seller is called the “listing broker”. The listing agent must put the interests of the seller first. And no one is representing you. But now consider…


“Buyer” Representation: more info...

As a buyer, you can have representation too! You can have your own advocate. Your own “buyer’s agent” who must put your interests first. I will develop a profile of your property needs and desires. I will locate all the possible properties, and I will help you become qualified with a lender. I will lead you through the steps of the home buying process, and much, much more… Here are some common questions buyers have asked me about Buyer Representation:

Q. Will I be asked to sign an agreement or form?

A. When you meet me for the first time, I will explain our Real Estate Brokerage Services and give you details about how REALTORS^® work with the public. I will have you sign a "Duties Owed" which is a form required by law that establishes my duties and relationship as an agent with you.

Q. Will I have to pay a fee?

A. I will seek to have the fee paid by the Seller. If there is ever a situation that a Seller will not pay the Buyer Agent fee, you will be informed before you look at the house. Currently, it is customary in the Las Vegas Valley area for the fee to be paid by the Seller.

Q. What about property “For Sale By Owner”?

A. “For Sale By Owner's” are an excellent source of prospective properties for a buyer. I frequently work with these owners who are generally very pleased to have a professional bringing a qualified buyer. Independent sellers, sometimes called “fisbo” sellers, like to have a professional ensure that the transaction progresses smoothly all the way to closing. And of course I will try to arrange to have the seller pay the fee.