Orlando Area buyers should have an agent..... Reason #1: We are Free. Our services are free and paid for by the sellers. Why do the driving, the negotiation, the schedule handling, finding properties, when someone who is skilled in purchases do it for you.
Reason #2: An Orlando Area buyers agent can save you money! This week I had the opportunity to sit down with my clients, who are also my close UCF college friends and help them purchase their first home together. The recently got married and are now pregnant expecting twins. So onward to family bliss or in other wards Baldwin Park. A neighborhood even the stepford wives would be envious of. With my negotiating skills in hand and their bottom line in mind. I was able to get the builder to take off $97,000 from the purchase price, pay $15,000 in closing costs, upgrade the flooring and through in a refrigerator.
More reasons to come later but I think the first two reasons are reasons enough to have an Orlando Area Buyers Agent on your side.
Heather Joubran, GRI, NRBA, CLHMS, CDPE
RE/MAX Central Realty
www.HeatherTheRealtor.com (407) 810-6304
Specializing in First Time Home Buyers, Short Sales, Bank Owned Real Estate, REO & Foreclosure Properties
Servicing Real Estate Needs in: Lake Mary, Longwood, Winter Springs, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, College Park, Winter Park, Maitland, Windermere, UCF, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Apopka, Ocoee & Winter Garden
I think it would be foolish for a buyer to do it themselves when they can have a knowledgeable Realtor do it for them.
Looking at comps is one thing, but seeing the homes that have sold in the area are another. A buyer should work with an agent who has seen the homes first hand. They can tell their buyers this home needed updating, that home didn't have a functional floor plan, this home had a small yard.....
How would the buyers know what inspections were needed, and what disclosures are necessary? It's much more than just money, and like you said, they don't even pay for it.
Dave "Tap" Tapper
San Mateo Ca.
You got to get them of the idea that they will save "X%" if they don't have an agent. I just told a PROSPECT that we would not accept an offer unless they are represented by another agent, whether it be one of my agents or some other agent. That shocked them, but I will not put myself in such a liable situation of having a non-represented buyer. I have never done it and never will. They wanted me to kick back money to them. I did not even reply to that comment.....
Hi Heather
Real estate professionals are the glue in a real estate transaction.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Buyers don't seem to comprehend the value of having a buyers agent and think they'll be able to negotiate a better deal without one. I have a seller right now that bought a house without an agent, didn't have an home inspection and ended up paying out over $20,000 in repairs right after she moved in and paying too much for the house too.
It amazes me that buyers would choose not to have their own agent. Some must think they will get a better deal working directly with the lister. Others probably just don't know any better. It is frustrating at times. Thanks for the post.
Heather: Two years ago, I represented my self buying my present home. Looking back, I am sure a real estate agent would have gotten me a better deal. Lesson learned. The buyer is too emotionally involved.
Tere I think thats a big part of it no matter how hard you try to separate out the emotion as a buyers it's hard too.
Dan & Amy - I have had many people tell me that. When in actuallity it's the listing agent that gets the better deal, since they get both ends of the commission. Happy times to them.
June - Ouch even when I have buyers tell me they dont want a home inspection I double and triple check with them then make them sign a waiver. It's the best few hundred dollars you can spend.
I figure why would you not use a professional to handle the sale or purchase of your most valuable asset (often $100,000+ ) . Even with our discount MLS service, we make sure to offer pricing and marketing suggestions so that people aren't just stumbling around in the dark.
Buyer need representation because they need someone to ease fears and negotiate on their behalf.