Since the mid-1980′s there have been a number of Independent Surveys completed by Money Magazine, Consumer Reports and consumer groups like the Consumer Federation of America comparing the advantages and benefits of using the services of real estate Buyer’s Agent vs. the Traditional real estate sales agent.

In general terms the consensus has been consumers can save more time and money with a Buyer’s Agent working as their real estate advocate compared to going it alone or relying on the Traditional Real Estate person or company who is listing the property for sale.

By law, the listing agent represent the best interests of the Seller and they are obligated to get the seller the best possible price and terms, no matter what they may tell you.

On the other side, A Buyer’s Agent can be a great asset when representing you as the buyer, and the tips below may help you to further understand the advantages of using a Buyer’s Agent.

• In today’s very challenging real estate market you need all the help you can get, and an experienced Buyer’s Agent working as your advocate can save you time and money from start to finish in the real estate buying process.
• Seeking out a Buyer’s Agent that is Accredited, Certified, and/or Exclusive, can also be beneficial, as they are typically better trained and better prepared to help you get a better deal no matter what the market conditions may be.
• Ask an agent if they are willing to Sign an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreementto offer you 100% Loyalty and thereby protect you from "Dual Agency" which can be a conflict of interests on the part of the agent. Hint: The more listings a company has the bigger the chance they cannot provide you with 100% Loyalty and proper representation.
• Ask any Agent if you can spend a day or two getting to know each other, as well as the possible purchase chocies before signing the Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement. If the Buyer’s Agent is helpful, knowledgeable and likable, commit to them so they can commit to you, and help you negotiate the best possible deal on the property that is best for you and your family.
• Don’t believe any agent that says their services are free. Normally you are paying your Buyer’s Agent indirectly through the price you pay for the home you choose. It is the mortgage money from the buyer’s side that funds the transaction, and it is the seller’s equity that is debited for both the Buyer’s Agent and the Seller’s Agent fees at closing.
• If you think you can get a better deal without the help of a Buyer’s Agent, you are probably wrong. There is a slight chance you maybe able to negotiate the 2% to 3% agent commission from the seller if you are not using an agent, but consider:
  • The Listing Agent or the Seller is typically entitled to any commission offerer in the MLS system if a Buyer’s Agent is not used.
  • You may be able to negotiate the typical 2% to 3% MLS fee as a discount but a good Buyer’s Agent can easily save you double or triple that amount or more.
  • A good Buyer’s Agent doesn’t base the offer price just on the average price per square foot of recent sale. That is not an accurate estimate in today’s very challenging market, and it can be a big mistake if that is what you think you should go by.
  • You probably don’t not know the actually value, the potential for loss of value, or how much money you might leave on the table during negotiations until it is too late without a Buyer’s Agent at your side. Find Your Buyer’s Agent.