BUYER FAQ's
Many buyers do not fully understand the home buying process and what role a real estate agent plays. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions that buyers ask or don’t fully understand.

WHAT DOES IT COST AS A BUYER TO USE AN AGENT?
     The compensation that a sales agent receives typically comes from the seller’s proceeds.  In other words, there is no cost for a buyer to use an agent in a traditional agent/buyer relationship.  In a buyer agency agreement, there may be some cost to the buyer, but even these agreements are usually worded so that the agent is compensated from the seller.

CAN MY AGENT GIVE ME INFORMATION REGARDING PROPERTIES FROM OTHER COMPANIES?
     Yes, if that other company is a member of Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – which most real estate companies are.  For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties are not listed in MLS so an agent likely would not be able to provide information regarding them.  However, with a buyer agency agreement, your agent may be able to help you purchase a FSBO.

WHAT IF I FIND A PROPERTY ON MY OWN?
     You should contact your agent and not the property owner or the agent listing the property.  Having the address or the MLS number is very helpful and will assist your agent in gathering information regarding the property.

WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION WILL MY AGENT NEED FROM ME?
     An agent will need any type of information regarding the property you are looking for that is important to you.  For example, number of bedrooms, garage size, price, location and number of bathrooms are common criteria.  Other considerations include the school district, type of home (ranch, tri-level, etc) and room sizes.  Keep in mind that a search that is too specific may narrow your list of properties too much while one that is too broad may give you more properties to look at than you have time to go through!  And while our agents will use their expertise to make suggestions, keep in mind, you are always in charge.

CAN I GO TO OPEN HOUSES WITHOUT MY AGENT?
     You can go to open houses without your agent.  However, you need to make sure that you indicate you are working with an agent already.  If you don’t, your agent might not be able to help you write an offer on that property in the future.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT NEW PROPERTIES?
     Your agent will use the best method available to you to communicate all information regarding properties; e-mail, phone calls, fax, etc.  Clients with e-mail capability can receive automatic updates from the MLS system as soon as new listings are entered and it is the agent’s responsibility to monitor the market, gather information on new MLS listings, and get that information to you. 

SUMMARY
     When purchasing real estate, a sales agent can be an invaluable resource if you remember your responsibilities:
Work with just one agent
###b 1. Make sure you tell your agent everything
###b 2. Always tell other agents you are already working with an agent
###b 3. Consider your agent a friend
     If you have any questions regarding purchasing a home or would like us to be your agent, please give us a call.  We want your home buying experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible and will do everything we can to ensure you find the home that is right for you.