Buyer’s Agent. Seller’s Agent. Listing Agent. If you’ve listed your home or been shopping for a new one, you’ve heard these terms. But what are the differences? And does it really matter?

The home buying process can be complex and stressful. So why would you buy a home without the best buyer’s agent to help you? The best buyer’s agents make a positive difference in the transaction process from beginning to end.

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

A buyer’s agent represents the buyer. It is their responsibility or fiduciary obligation to get the best price and terms for the buyer.

Buyer’s agents assist you every step of the way in finding and then buying the perfect place. And the best ones:

• Get you the best deals
• Value relationships over money
• Know your home’s role in your budget
• Share your values
• Desire to inspire and serve you as their client

What Do Buyer’s Agents Do?

What a great buyer’s agent does for you as a homebuyer is what makes them so valuable to work with.

• First, they determine what you are looking for and what you can afford. They schedule appointments for you to tour available homes that fit these two criteria. They’ll also point out the pros and cons of properties and neighborhoods to help you decide on a home.
• Buyer’s agents advise you on an appropriate price to offer for a home you’re seriously interested in. And they present the price you decide on to the seller’s agent. Then they negotiate on your behalf and write the contracts for you. All agents are trained to negotiate. But the best buyer’s agents are experienced negotiators who save you money and help you avoid getting into a home that requires more repairs than it’s worth.
• Knowing who to refer you to expedites each step of the home buying process and moves you into a quicker and successful sale. A buyer’s agent, a good one, should be able to refer you to other reliable professionals such as mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, movers, and more.
• Setbacks happen. For example, sometimes a home inspector’s report or appraisal brings new issues to light. But your buyer’s agent will advise you on how to proceed, and then act as a buffer between you and the seller’s or their agent. And if negotiations become heated or hostile, and they sometimes do, experienced buyer’s agents keep thing calm and offer productive solutions. This alone makes a buyer’s agent worth every dollar they earn!

What to Ask a Buyer’s Agent

Charles D’Alessandro is a great buyer’s agent. But don’t take our word for it. Ask him these questions before deciding.

• “What Brooklyn neighborhoods do you specialize in?” Real estate requires local expertise. Charles is extremely familiar with the Brooklyn neighborhoods you’re interested in.
• “Are you readily available and reachable?” Charles is readily available and reachable. If your dream home is suddenly available or a last-minute issue with closing happens suddenly, Charles is on it.
• “How long have you been a Brooklyn real estate agent?” Charles has over 35 years of experience and a proven track record for selling Brooklyn homes.

How Much Do Buyer’s Agents Cost?

Since the seller pays the commission for both the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, you don’t need to pay to hire a buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent’s commission equals about 6% of the home’s sales price. The commission is split evenly between both the buyer’s and seller’s agents. For example, commission on a $200,000 home would be $6,000 for each agent.

Homeowner, Hire a Buyer’s Agent

If you’re in the market to buy, hire a buyer’s agent. You’ll be happy you did. Choosing the best real estate agent is a lot like choosing a doctor or lawyer. And choosing the best real estate agent can make all the difference in the world when buying or selling a home.

Charles D’Alessandro looks out for your best interest. Contact Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email [email protected] today. With over 30 years of real estate experience in Brooklyn and a heart for his clients, he’s the best in Brooklyn!

---

Charles D’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 206
[email protected]