Don't call the number on the sign in front of the perfect house!!

It's a bright, sunny weekend afternoon and you and your sweetie are out cruising the neighborhood on the beginning of your house hunt.

You see the perfect house, and it has a for sale sign in front of it...


You call the number.  Right?


Wrong...you have probably just cost yourself any negotiating power you have as a buyer.

Why?


My friend, you just called the "listing agent."  That is the person hired by the seller to represent the seller's interest.  Do you think that as a human, they could completely represent your interests too?

As a matter of fact, if the listing agent does indeed represent the buyer, they become a "dual agent."  In some states this is even illegal.  In the states where it is legal, everyone (buyer and seller) must agree to it by signing a document provided by the agent.

As a buyer, you should always find a buyer's agent.  Know that a buyer's agent works for a living and may also be a listing agent for other sellers, but as long as you aren't buying any of the properties they have listed, you haven't stepped into the "dual agency" trap.

The whole term "agent" means a lot in the legal sense of the word in real estate.   A good buyers agent may know that you are approved to buy a $500,000 house, but only want to spend half of that.  They are going to do what it takes to make you happy and be less concerned with getting the highest price they can for a house (which is what a listing agent should do).

Truth be told, it doesn't matter who the buyer's agent works with as a broker, they can show you ANY house listed buy ANY company.  

So what about that weekend drive and the perfect house?  Write down the address, call your buyer's agent, and go see it!

Contact me to help you find that perfect home for a great price!