Working With a Seller’s Agent – What First Time Home Buyers Need to Know
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Seller’s agents, as the name suggests, are hired by home sellers to represent them in real estate transactions. They are paid a fixed fee or a commission and are primarily concerned with bringing the seller and a buyer to a deal. Homebuyers often end up transacting with seller’s agents. As a homebuyer, it is important for you to understand the duties of a seller’s agent.
Regulations vary from state to state, but there are certain things they cannot do according to national law. The author of ’100 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask’ encourages all buyers to review the agent’s forms and disclosures thoroughly to understand exactly what types of services they will be offering; if you do not understand anything, do not sign the form. It’s also important to understand the key things that a seller’s agent can and cannot do for you:
A seller’s agent can give you information regarding similar homes in the area. This information is called comparables or ‘comps’ and is a listing of homes that have similar price, size and area, and age. Comps can include homes that were recently sold or are currently in the market. This information allows a homebuyer to have a basis of comparison to ascertain the value of a home.
Seller’s agents cannot dictate, or otherwise pressure, home buyers into buying a home. The seller’s agent’s job is to facilitate the selling of a home but it doesn’t mean that they can force homebuyers into buying a home. You might be in a situation wherein you are deciding between two homes that are handled by one subagent. In this case, the seller’s agent cannot compel you to choose one home over the other.
A seller’s agent cannot reveal the flaws of the home, except for imperceptible material imperfections. They are not allowed to disclose information that can influence you not to buy a property. Homebuyers must conduct their own inspection to assess the condition of a home.
It is illegal for seller’s agents to provide information regarding the best offer amount to homebuyers. Remember that a seller’s agent should be concerned with the interests of the seller first and foremost. Giving a tip to the buyer infringes on a seller’s agent’s relationship with the seller.
The seller’s agent can ask you for referrals. Many seller’s agents are independent business owners and always looking for new clients. They do have the right to ask you to refer them to friends or family members, and will do everything they can to make your home buying experience a good one.
When you are working with a seller’s agent as a first time home buyer, it’s important to remember that they are in the business to make the home buying process as easy as possible. This doesn’t always mean that they have your best interests in mind, so it’s important to do your own research about the property and work with a professional real estate agent in addition to the seller’s agent.
About the Author: Alexandria P. Anderson is a Minnesota Real Estate agent that helps people to find and purchase Condos in Minnesota and other properties in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
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Nov 29 2009
