Won’t Working with a Buyers Agent Cost Me More Money?

By Raymond Stoklosa · February 6th, 2009

Interviewing real estate agent

As a buyer it is in your best interests to find an agent to represent you rather than using the listing broker to write your contract. By law, the listing broker cannot do or say anything that could undermine the position of their seller which means they cannot negotiate or offer any guidance while writing the offer. As an added bonus, the seller pays for the buyer broker’s commission so you as a home buyer should have no reason not to have professional representation that looks after your best interests. It costs the buyer nothing more to be represented by a professional. After all, the seller is represented by a professional, should you be represented as well?

A Word of Caution to San Mateo County Home Buyers

Training and education for real estate agents is generally geared to teach them how to solicit and capture listings. Very little education is available to teach them how to properly represent a home buyer. Hence we have very few adequately trained buyer’s agents in the business. Home buyers are advised to carefully interview a prospective buyer’s agent about his or her specific training and experience in buyer representation.

How to Select Your Buyers Agent

As a general rule, whether you are buying or selling a home, interview several agents before making your selection. It is important you find an agent you trust. For our Guide to Selecting a San Mateo County Real Estate Agent, fill out the form below.