What’s the use of a Buyers Agent????
Buyers Agent: Do I need one? With , and all the rumors swirling around about the lawsuit against the NAR (National Association of Realtors), I’m trying to keep on top of changes, new documents, and procedures. I’ve been doing this for 23 years in the Coachella Valley, representing both buyers and sellers. I pride myself on keeping on top of changes, understanding the consequences and performing to the highest level for my clients. My thoughts are below. If you are looking to buy or sell property in the Coachella Valley, give Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.
Why would you use a Buyers Agent????
- I think the number 1 reason is to capitalize on their knowledge of the local market. I’ve lived in the Coachella Valley for 40 years, and been in real estate here for 23 years. I KNOW this valley. I have represented buyers and sellers from the West side cities of Palm Springs and Cathedral City, central valley cites of Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Palm Desert and La Quinta to the Eastern cities of Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella and Thermal. It is critical as a successful local agent to KNOW the inventory! Golf course, non golf course homes, 55+ options, multi acre options, investment opportunities, land opportunities. My experience is a HUGE reason my buyers turn to me for advice.
- The second reason is because a local agent with experience should be really good at negotiating. If you give the sellers this, what do you as the buyer receive? What is the most important thing you cannot live without in the property search? What is the least important? I save my buyers hours of computer work, and questions about locations, cities and communities, and that’s BEFORE we even write a contract!
- How much do I cost? That’s negotiable. It used to be negotiable when I met the sellers in a listing agreement. The sellers are no longer able to offer buy side compensation. But I don’t work for free, do you? Remember that EVERYTHING is negotiable. The price, how agents get paid, repairs, seller credits at close, furniture, I’ve even negotiated farm animals into deals!
- Can you skip the buyers agent and go directly to the seller? Of course you can, as you’ve always been able to in the past. Remember: The sellers agent works for the SELLER. The buyers agent works for the BUYER. Their allegiance is to you, the buyer. The List price is a starting point. It’s your agents job to negotiate and get you the best deal on the Sales price, close costs, commission, and repairs..everything you can think of is negotiable. Think on that. The tour below is of a 2 acre farm that I have in escrow. My listing, but we did indeed negotiate the buyers commission in the final sales price..it was just ONE of our negotiable points to get it done!
