You've decided to buy a Waterloo Region home. You see a house you like and contact the listing agent. Do you realize that the agent you're interacting with is speaking on behalf of the seller, not you?
Don't get us wrong: we adore getting calls from people who don't already have a real estate agent. We do, however, advise hiring a buyer's agent. Working as a dual agent, representing both the seller and the buyer, is challenging, and most agents can only offer limited guidance to either party and there are sometimes ethical challenges as well.
However, you need someone on your side. Would you represent yourself in court if you didn't have a lawyer? Would you go on a safari if you didn't have a guide with you? Right, you never would.
But why do you need a buyer's agent in the first place? That's just what we are going to take a closer look at here.
What is a Buyer's Agent?
Looking to buy a home? A buyer's agent is your secret weapon! As a professional real estate agent, a buyer's agent works exclusively for you, their client.
Imagine having someone to help you find the perfect home that meets all your requirements. A buyer's agent schedules showings for you and shows you around the properties.
We even have access to homes being sold by other brokers through a cooperative relationship within local realtor communities and associations. No need to spend hours and hours searching for homes to view alone!
And when you find your dream home, a buyer's agent helps you navigate the paperwork and presents your offer to the listing agent on your behalf. They take care of all the behind-the-scenes tasks, like coordinating inspections and closings, and making sure your lender has everything they need on closing day. They prioritize your needs throughout the entire transaction.
Think of a buyer's agent as your step-by-step guide through the entire home buying process. With their expertise and support, you can find your dream home and make your buying experience a breeze.
Why Do I Need a Buyer's Agent?
At the end of the day, a buyer's agent saves you time and money due to their knowledge and expertise. We have experience with local real estate and the home-buying procedure in general. We understand how to best assist you in locating (and submitting the "winning" offer on) your ideal home in the Waterloo Region even when the stock is low.
Our familiarity with the neighborhood's we serve is another one of our most valuable advantages. We know what has recently sold, how much it sold for, and what may come on the market shortly. This can help you avoid some of today's market's typical and not-so-common pitfalls. Having a buyer's agent assist you and make the process as simple as possible is advised whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homebuyer, especially in a less stable market.
What is a Buyer's Agent's Role in Your Waterloo Region Homebuying Experience?
What will we do for you as your Waterloo Region buying agent? We are your tour guide, problem solver, and real estate consultant. We keep an eye on you to ensure you are not getting too overwhelmed, guide you through the process, assess the market by evaluating comparable properties on a regular basis to ensure you're making wise offers, and make sure all of the paperwork is completed correctly.
But it's not simply about haggling over a price and completing paperwork. We also perform the following tasks:
Pay attention to your desires, needs, preferences, and dislikes. Your buyer's agent will assist you in finding the ideal home for your needs, and your needs only, which are very likely to be different from those of other buyers.
Do you have a preference for a particular school district? We can conduct a search based on that criterion. Are you looking for a fenced-in yard and a single-story home? We can direct you down the appropriate path as well as do searches using those parameters.
So we don't waste your time having you look at homes that don't fit the bill, we can only pull listings that meet your criteria. We can also assist you in imagining how you could change a ''nearly right house" to make it exactly what you want.
Remain in constant contact. We know no-one wants to search for homes for months. As a Waterloo Region buyer's agent, it is our responsibility to notify you of homes that meet your needs and desires as soon as they come on the market, or even before they come on the market!
We are always willing to drop everything and show you a house. It's our responsibility to help you find a home, whether it's on a Saturday morning or a Thursday evening. Don't be afraid to bother us!
Connect you with other professionals. We have contacts with professionals in relevant fields such as home insurance providers, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, and others. We work with these people on a daily basis, so ask us if you need anything from lawn care to a bathroom overhaul.
Assume the role of a proxy or go-between. Things don't always go as planned, despite everyone's best efforts. A home sale or purchase is typically a person's single largest financial investment, therefore this is a high-stakes situation! Emotions can be volatile. We can function as a go-between for you and the seller, keeping things on track and professional.
Assist in overcoming difficulties. Would you know what to do if a house inspection uncovered unforeseen faults or a home assessment came back significantly lower than expected? We can provide guidance and assistance in finding a solution. Don't worry if these scenarios necessitate another "little" negotiation. We are experts in this field!
What is the cost of a buyer's agent, and who pays it?
One very common question we hear: WAIT... how much do I owe you since you're doing all this work for me? The seller of the home usually pays our fee as a buyer's agent at closing — not you! What do you think? We assist you in finding the ideal home, guiding you through the negotiation process, paperwork, closing, and beyond... all at no cost to you!
Using a buyer's agent can save you a lot of money. We make sure you don't overpay for a home and don't forget to ask the seller to repair a major, expensive item... Our knowledge is well worth the money in terms of the headaches and anguish it can save you!
Considering buying or selling a Waterloo Region home? Let Team Pinto use their huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs, we can't wait to help.