Real Estate Purchases: How to Pick The Top Buyer’s Agent to Represent You.

Representation Is Key to Negotiating the Best Deal

What is the description of a competant buyer’s agent? What should they focus on first? Is it protecting you legally? Making sure the paper work is right? Representation? Negotiation? Or Problem solving. Certainly all of those things should make up the job description of any top agent, but one thing should stand out above all others: NEGOTIATION.

Real Estate agents are also knows as SALE’S Agents becuase that is their primary job description, to get you the best price and the best deal. If your agent is not a negotiator, then you are going to be in deep trouble when making an offer if price is an issue or repair issues pop up later. Who is going to pay for surprises? Effective sales agents negotiate those issues.

Second in importance is representation. What does that mean? It means that your agent is guiding the transaction and speaking for you to the seller. If you can’t trust your agent, then you should not be using them in the transaction. I can tell you in all my years as an agent, when clients, rather than agents controll the transaction, that can cost you money and cause some real liability. Your agent should not be stepping and fetchhing for you. You should be listening to them and following their advice. If you can trsut them, higher someone who knows what they are doing.

One big mistake buyers make in a transaction is to use an agent who is PRIMARILY a listing agent to write an offer for them. Listing agents ARE NOT VERY GOOD NEGOTIATORS.

If they both list and buy, then that is different, but you should interview your agent for experience. Do not assume they are negotiators. Ask them questions:

  1. How many homes have you sold where you represented buyers?
  2. Are you primarily a listing agent or a buyer’s agent?
  3. How long have you been in the industry?
  4. What is the most important thing a buyer’s agent does? (If they don’t sale negotiation or getting the best deal, pick another agent)

Ralph Migliozzi,

Broker Originator Serving Northern California 
NMLS 282851 DRE #01002038

(p) 530-330-3073

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