Why you should use a Buyers Advocate or Buyers Agent by Warwick Brookes
Buyer’s agents or advocates are licensed professionals that specialise in searching, evaluating and negotiating the purchase of property on behalf of the buyer. They do not sell real estate. The key difference between a buyers’ agent and a traditional selling agent is who they represent. A buyers’ agent works exclusively for the buyer, whereas the selling agent works for the vendor (seller). By law an agent cannot act for (and accept a commission) from both parties in the transaction.
Most buyers’ agents offer at least two levels of service:
The full search service, whereby the buyers’ agent actively searches the market and shortlists properties meeting the specific criteria of the client and then evaluates and negotiates the recommended property.
The negotiation or auction bidding only service – this is where the client finds the property and engages the buyers agent to evaluate and negotiate a private treaty or bid at auction.
Using a buyers’ agent to purchase real estate is becoming more widespread throughout Australia as investors and home buyers understand the benefits they provide. A professional buyers’ agent can provide you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about the value of a property without all of the sales “hype” often generated by sales agents and glossy brochures.
Many think that using the services of a buyers’ agent is too expensive. This is not the case. Buyers’ agents can save you money, time and stress, whatever your budget. In most cases they will save you the fee and provide a whole lot more benefits. In the US, over 50% of the population use a buyers’ agent to assist in the purchasing process.
Buyers agents can give you the upper hand by their understanding of the auction process, bidding tactics and by not being emotionally involved in the auction or negotiation process. For investors, the buyers’ agents fees are tax deductible. Buyer’s agents generally charge an engagement fee before they begin the search. The fees are either a flat fee or a percentage of the property purchase price.
Call Warwick Brookes 0412 340 611