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.This is the perfect win-win for the Buyer -
Service, Information, Expertise - All Free!
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!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BUYERS
AGENT
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 license 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!
WHAT SHOULD YOUR AGENT EXPECT OF
YOU?
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.
When looking for Mississauga homes for sale, please remember the following information as it will get you what you want at a reasonable price. The most important part of the process is to make sure you have Damir Strk! |
