In past years, I’ve seen some people who want to deal directly with the other agent that’s selling the property. They think they’re going get a better deal because the other agents will make more of a commission, so they think they will get a great deal.
The problem with this scenario is that the agent has a contract with the seller. He probably has a relationship with them where he might have sold their house, he’s done business with them in the past. So he is going to represent that seller’s best interest. Is he supposed to tell you if the house has some damage or a roof leak? He’s supposed to. Is he going to? Probably unlikely.
So when looking for representation, you need somebody that’s going to have your best interests in mind. I take pride in negotiating for my clients because, again, I’m here for the long run. If I get my client a great deal on a property, he’s going to use me in the future to sell that house and it’s a relationship.
So, when a client calls me to help him represent them with the purchase of a house, I look for comparables. I don’t take the word of the other agent that the roof was just done. I go online and I find out if permits were pulled for the roof.
When the seller says this house is worth this X amount. Sometimes a client or a buyer that’s going on their own might go on Zillow and say well it is worth that much and in reality that house could be completely off by thousands of dollars.
They invest in an appraisal, they invest in an inspection, and spend about a thousand dollars and then the sellers come back and they say “No, I’m sorry we’re not going willing to negotiate. I know the home did not appraise, but we’re not willing to negotiate.”
So to avoid all these scenarios, have someone that represents you. Someone who cares about you. I know I do, I care for my clients. I want to get them the best deal possible. The worst thing you can do is have a house that you paid $50,000-$100,000 over the value.
Why not? Why not get a great deal from the beginning? Why not have someone that’s going to represent your best interest.
If you’re an investor and you know how to do comparables and you know how to do all the work, that’s a different story. But if you’re somebody that’s buying a house for yourself, That you’re buying to be there for the long run, get buyer’s representation. We take pride in what we do and we’re here to help you through the whole process.