New and inexperienced house hunters are always nervous to commit to one real estate agent. They feel that by signing on the Buyer Representation Agreement, they are limiting themselves and the possibility of buying the right home. The concept of signing on with a single agent is often misunderstood. New home buyers tend to feel that the agent will force them to make a decision too quickly, or won’t really work in their favor. It’s valid fear, and unfortunately it comes true more often than we would like to admit. The reason behind the buyer representation agreement is to ensure that the client gets top quality service, and is given personal attention as they look for a home. But not all agents are the same, and not everyone can offer the same service – so it’s ok to feel nervous when you are signing on with a real estate agent. After all, this person is the one you will trust with a very big decision. The person you choose to work with, will open the doors to your new home, where you will raise your family, and watch your children grow. The place where you’ll host your annual summer BBQ and send your children off to school. The home that will be your safe haven and your refuge – and these decisions can’t be made unless you feel confidence in your relationship with your real estate agent and his or her ability to help you in the best possible way.
 
If you don’t know what it’s about, then it’s important to know what the Buyer Representation Agreement actually is. This legal document signifies that for a designated period of time, the buyer has engaged a specific real estate firm to work exclusively on his or her behalf at finding a property. The agreement confirms the agent’s commitment to make his or her best efforts for the buyer. It’s a way to safely ensure that your interests are met and there is someone who will be on your team, and keep your best interests in mind while you look for a property to buy.
 
So before you sign on with a specific agent, the first question you need to ask yourself is, “What is the role of my real estate agent?”. What exactly is your agent supposed to do? Lots of people hire an agent, only to discover their email bombarded with properties that sometimes don’t make any sense at all! This kind of overwhelming flood of information can actually turn you off to the whole process of house hunting. It’s crucial that your real estate agent first meets with you to discuss your needs and wants. Helping you come up with a list of things you can’t live without, and some that will be an added bonus. By creating a client profile, your agent will be able to enter you into their system and filter the properties you are sent, based on area, price, number of rooms, bathrooms, etc. This way, you can rest assured that the email you are sent, is worth the look.
 
Your real estate agent’s job is to help you find the right home, and in order to do that, there has to be some level of mutual understanding. When your agent knows that you are exclusively working with them, it increases the dedication and drive that it takes to find the perfect place to call your home. The process of finding that home should be fun and exciting, not stressful! Your agent should be able to understand your needs, and be able to help you on your way to finding your dream house. You should be able to easily communicate with one another, and you should always feel comfortable to speak your mind as you are looking at various properties.
 
So why should you sign on the dotted line? Well, to put it simply… because it ensures better service for you. By offering your commitment to one agent, you are extending an intent of goodwill, and in return, your agent should provide you with the best service possible. If you are afraid that your agent will be pushy and aggressive, then you’re not looking at the right agent. Remember, the reason you are working with one person, is because you trust them to help you make the right decision, and if your agent isn’t fulfilling that role, then you should look for someone who does.
Over the years I have helped thousands of clients find their dream home, and the trick to the trade is to be able to connect with each of them, and get to understand them better, before I can help them decide where they should live. My secret to ensuring that I’ve helped my clients find the right home? Every time I walk them into a house, I look at them, as they look around, and when I see their eyes light up in excitement, I know I’ve done my job right.
 
If you are nervous about signing on with a single agent, or have questions about the Buyer Representation Agreement, I would be happy to help you understand it better. Give me a call, I’d love to chat.
 
Bill