So, you’ve decided to purchase a home in the Denver metro area, and you might be wondering if it is necessary to hire a buyer’s agent (a real estate agent who will represent you, as the buyer).  Many people argue that buyer’s agents aren’t needed, and technically, a buyer could purchase a home without one.  However, I argue that there is no better value than the services provided by a buyer’s agent.  Here is my list of the top 4 reasons you should hire a buyer’s agent to purchase your home - and keep in mind that these services are provided at no cost to you!

Representation

This is the number one reason to hire a buyer’s agent - you need a professional to represent you and your interests in important negotiations for your home. Real Estate is often complicated, and when you’re making what is likely the largest financial commitment of your life, you want representation by a skilled and experienced real estate agent.  Also, your buyer’s agent will be able to warn you about legal implications of backing out of a contract, situations when you could lose your earnest money deposit, or what you can do when a builder doesn’t deliver a finished home within the stated timeframe on the contract (among other things).  Without a buyer’s agent, you’re on your own with all of those matters. That is the problem with working with a listing agent directly when buying a home. By law the listing agent cannot act as your advisor, they must maintain a neutral position, or what is called a Transaction Broker status.  You want some one in your corner looking out for your interests.

Knowledge

Market knowledge is one of the most difficult things to acquire as an agent, simply because it takes so much time.  A good buyer’s agent will know which neighborhoods appreciate the best, neighborhood issues such as expansive soil, which builders are the highest quality, what parts of town have the lowest crime rates, and which schools are top notch.  They will also know the sales history of any given property, which can benefit you when you’re negotiating a price.

Time

It takes considerable time to search the market, drive through neighborhoods, and to preview homes. Even with technology and the information readily available on the internet, the time required to find that “perfect home” and complete the process smoothly is substantial.  You presumably have another job, so lean on the experience of your buyer’s agent, whose job it is to put in the time for you.

Savings

A buyer’s agent will spend hours behind the scenes doing market research on the value of the homes you’re interested in and will share the documented results with you in order to help you find the best deal.  Because the buyer’s agent does not represent the seller, they can advise you about how close any particular home matches what you are looking for, including the price and value, without bias.  Your buyer agent wants you to be happy, and they want you to get a good deal so you will refer all of your family and friends to them and use them again when you buy or sell in the future. 

This is just a sampling of the top reasons you’ll need a buyer’s agent.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local Denver area real estate pros, the Bandy Team!  Let us prove to you the value of hiring a buyer’s agent whether you’re searching for a home in the Lowry area of Denver, a house on the golf course at Castle Pines, or any of the other fine communities surrounding Denver.  We are here to help you find your dream home!

Marianne Bandy
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