In past years, when the home-seller ruled the marketplace, there was a prevailing thought that buyers employing agents were at a disadvantage - that listing agents would give preference to unrepresented buyers in order to get a higher commission. How unfortunate that consumers would have such a misconception!

These days it is easy to dispel that myth - the buyer now rules the marketplace and any listing agent is open to working with another real estate professional in order to get the home sold.

Still, there are buyers who will search on their own. Maybe they want to set their own pace, shop using their own criteria, or seemingly create a more efficient buying system. I challenge those buyers to reconsider. What seems efficient to you is actually contrary to your own best interest.

You are on the brink of making what may be the biggest investment of your life - are you sure you want to go it alone? While the listing real estate agent will treat you (the buyer) honestly and fairly, that same agent is not your representative and is not compelled to represent your best interest.

The listing agent does not compile a market analysis to help you determine a price that is accurate for the neighborhood and home type. S/he does not negotiate on your behalf, does not provide a professional opinion from a buyer’s standpoint, does not interpret inspection reports for you, does not explain forms and documents for you. The listing agent is directed by law to represent the best interest of the seller.

So why choose a buyer’s agent?

1. S/he can check the accuracy of public and private information so that you are not surprised by issues that come to light after your purchase.
2. S/he has access to current and precise information about sales in the area.
3. Your agent holds any information financial information and negotiating positions you provide as confidential - the listing agent is not held to that standard with regard to you, the buyer.
4. While you can get quite a bit of information in cyber space, your agent has access to all information at once and can make your decisions easier and quicker.
5. If your real estate agent is a Realtor (R) then s/he operates under a code of ethics and is expected to have superior knowledge and up-to-date industry training.
6. Finally, while you may only buy a home every five years or so, your agent goes through the process countless times and can provide the wisdom that experience brings.

Now that you know why you should hire a Realtor(R), tomorrow we will discuss how to choose one.