Why use a Phoenix Real Estate Buyer’s Agent?

Many years ago, the term “buyer’s agent” was unheard of in the real estate industry. The real estate agents all represented the seller. Even if an agent took the buyer around looking for homes, that agent’s duties were to the seller (though truthfulness was and is always a requirement).

The industry has come along way in its effort to make the home buying transaction a success for both buyers and sellers, and in order for that to happen, buyers must be represented, and ideally, by their own buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent has a fiduciary duty (kind of like a lawyer) to act in your best interest.

When you walk into an open house or call the phone number on a sign or from an ad, the agent that greets you or answers the phone is an agent of the seller (also called the “listing agent”). The seller’s agent markets the property for the seller and handles any negotiation for the seller.

However, the agent for the seller wants to make the sale and won’t turn you away because you are not represented. If you walk in the home you called about and absolutely love it, the seller’s agent can represent you as well in an arrangement called “dual agency.”

Though dual agency transactions happen all the time and often end up in a successful purchase, the buyer can possibly be at a disadvantage in several subtle ways.

One, the buyer may not visit all of the properties that could have been of interest. The dual agent has a duty to his seller to push the seller’s property, not necessarily suggest other, perhaps better, properties to his client. Whereas a buyer’s agent usually does not have any financial incentive to push one property over another.

Two, the buyer may not pay the lowest price possible. A dual agent cannot disclose the price the seller is willing to take for the property, so recommending an offer price to the buyer gets to be a dicey situation. Many dual agents avoid the whole conversation altogether and simply ask the buyer “what would you like to offer for the home?”

There are several other situations that could possibly develop into a more complicated matter with dual agency. Why not try to avoid those problems by having your own buyer’s agent? Your buyer’s agent is paid for by the seller, so having separate representation is free to you, but may turn out to be invaluable.

I’d like to introduce my buyer’s agents to you. Russell Rohr loves people, but he also has a very practical and analytical mind. His past business experience has given him a keen eye for good deals and the best negotiation strategies.

Cory Robinson goes the extra mile for her clients – sometimes it’s hundreds of miles. She helps first time homebuyers navigate through unfamiliar real estate territory, and assists second home buyers in finding the perfect fit. Our team makes condos and townhomes our business, but it never supersedes our goal to help our buyers make the best real estate decisions possible.

Russell Rohr RE/MAX Integrity	Cory Robinson RE/MAX Integrity

 

 

 

Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on color, race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.