John R. Wood Properties
Lenore Vitale, John R. Wood PropertiesPhone: (239) 370-7030
Email: [email protected]

Advantages of a Buyer Agent for First-Time Homebuyers

by Lenore Vitale 06/29/2020

Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels

If you're a first-time homebuyer and you've already started exploring available properties, you might think to yourself, "Why do I even need a buyer agent?" After all, you've been looking at homes for sale and the realtors who showed you the properties were very nice and helpful. But here's the deal: Those realtors are seller agents. They represent the home seller. They are legally, morally and ethically bound to get the best possible deal for the seller -- not for you as the buyer! This is just one of the reasons why first-time homebuyers can really benefit from working with a buyer's agent. Here are some more advantages.

Buyer Agents Work for You -- The Buyer

Once you're prequalified and your buyer agent understands the features you want in your first home, the agent will locate for-sale properties that fit your criteria. Not only that, but the buyer agent will coordinate and schedule showings of those properties for you. You don't have to do all of the legwork. And remember: As your representative, the buyer agent is out to find the best possible deal on a first-time home purchase for you.

Buyer Agents Are Great Negotiators

Every home sale and purchase is bound to hit a snag or two along the way. It's a lengthy process to buy or sell a home, and it's also a highly emotional transaction for buyers and sellers. It is, after all, the largest emotional and financial transaction that most people will make in their lifetime. Therefore, the negotiating skills of a buyer agent will be of great benefit to you as a homebuyer. If something starts to go wrong, they know how to negotiate a fix and they know professionals within their network who can help iron out problems -- from titling companies to real estate attorneys and even contractors to fix unexpected problems with the property.

Buyer Agents Are Property Experts

If you look at a home, do you know all the potential problem spots to examine to ensure that it won't have hidden costs? For example, can you tell if the plumbing is too old and will need major repairs within five years? Can you assess the age and functionality of the furnace, hot water heater and other features? Probably not -- but the buyer agent can because he or she has that experience.

Best of all, buyer agents don't charge any upfront or ongoing fees for their services. They split the commission with the seller agent who works for the home seller. For all these reasons and more, it makes great sense to put the expertise of a buyer agent to work for you!

About the Author
Author

Lenore Vitale

Lenore has been a Collier County resident for over 40 years. She fell in love with Naples and surrounding areas and decided to make the move from Cleveland in December 1981. Lenore has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida where she met her husband of over 25 years. They have two children that attend University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University. She has worked as a Community Service Deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, a Guest Teacher with the Collier County Public Schools, and continues to serve on many committees with the Parent-Teacher Organizations in Naples. Lenore has a true passion for Naples and is excited to put that passion to work for her customers. Whether you need an expert guide in buying a home, or a dedicated leader to sell your property; her love of Naples will always give you piece of mind in your real estate venture.