Working With An Agent - Services For Buyers
Why do you need a Realtor to represent you when you want to buy a home? Why not just let the Listing Agent write up the offer and present it to the Seller? Surely that makes sense?
Buyer Representation
The fact is, you can let the Listing Agent write up your offer and present it to the Seller. The trouble is, there are some serious flaws in the concept.
The most important thing to remember is that the Listing Agent has a Primary Fiduciary Responsibility to the Seller. That is to say that, whatever happens during the course of a transaction, the Listing Agent has a legal responsibility to always act in the Seller's best interests. Now although California real estate law allows an agent to simultaneously act for the Buyer and the Seller, it seems fairly apparent that this may not be the best thing for the Buyer.
The agent representing the Seller can hardly advise a Buyer how to structure an offer while remaining impartial. In a Sellers' Market when multiple offers are common and homes are selling very quickly, the agent representing the Seller is likely to encourage a Buyer to write an offer as far above asking price as he is prepared to go.
In a Buyers' Market, the agent representing the Seller is certainly unlikely to recommend that a Buyer write a low price offer as this would certainly not be representing the Seller's interests. Yet a low-price offer may be sufficient to agree a sale.
After a sale has been agreed and inspections have been carried out, if any defects are discovered, the Buyer may want to renegotiate the price. Again, it is hard to see how the agent can represent both parties' interests. Clearly there is scope for a conflict of interest here.
The Role Of The Buyer's Agent
When I work with you as your Buyer's Agent, I take my role very seriously. I know that the purchase of a new home is far more than just a business transaction and I go to great lengths to make sure that you are aware of everything on the market that could be of interest to you before you make any decision.
Not everybody wants to work in the same way of course, and that is why I tailor my service to suit your needs. Many of the people I work with like to sign up for my free "Homes By Email" service, 3, 6 or even 12 months before they plan to buy. They then see details of every home that meets their criteria as soon as it is listed. When they think they may be ready to buy, I will take them to view the homes they have selected and we proceed from there.
Alternatively, you may prefer a more personal approach where I will sit down with you and discuss exactly what you are looking for in a home. Typically, I will then show you a selection of homes that I think are close to what you are looking for, just to confirm that I understand you needs. I will then let you know when homes that could be right for you come on to the market and show them to you. Often, especially if you are not a local buyer, I will take digital photos of these homes, both outside and inside, and post them on the Internet where you can view them at your leisure prior to arranging a personal showing.
When you find a home you want to buy, I will advise you on how to structure an offer and then I will present it to the Seller or the Seller's Agent. Here, my knowledge of local market conditions is invaluable as the price and terms I suggest can vary greatly depending on the type of property, recent comparables, how long the home has been on the market and other factors. This is one area where my local knowledge can save you thousands!
Often, your offer will result in the Seller presenting a counter-offer and some more negotiation may take place before a sale is agreed. My aim is to ensure that you get the home you want at a price that satisfies you.
The Escrow Process
Buying a home is not a simple process and even after the sale has been agreed it will typically take weeks before you can take possession. I will be in constant contact with you during the Escrow period and I will arrange home inspections, take you through all the paperwork, ensure that the seller delivers all of the necessary disclosures etc. and generally keep you fully informed at all stages. I will also be there with you at Close of Escrow to ensure that you understand everything you are signing and to answer any last minute questions.
What Does All This Cost?
All of this service costs you nothing
It isn't really FREE of course, my commissions are paid by the seller. But as far as you are concerned, you have been taken complete care of through the whole buying process and it hasn't cost you a cent.
 Contact me any time for more information on any home for sale or to get a "Right Price Analysis" of your present home's value
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(925) 997-1585 
