 Questions, Questions & More Questions
Buying a house is one of the most important decisions you will make. Ask all of the questions that you want. Acquire all the information you need. Make informed decisions - don't wing it. Don't allow people to influence your decision, allow them to educate you so you can make the best decision possible.
Here are some of the questions we hear from buyers. If you have other questions, don't hesitate to call, email or text us. We like working with informed buyers. If we don't already know the answers to your questions, we will research the issue for you. We promise!
Q: I went to an open house, and the listing agent said that he could represent me better and “fairer” than any other agent, so I really didn’t need a buyer agent. Is that true?
A: Of course agents try to be fair and nice to the buyer since they want to make the sale. But, because they are bound by Real Estate License Laws, the Law of Agency, and their Code of Ethics, they can only do so much without jeopardizing their license to practice. For instance, the listing agent cannot tell you if a property is overpriced or how to negotiate the best purchase price. Ask yourself…if the seller has representation, shouldn’t you? As your buyer agents, we will always negotiate only in the best interest of you, the buyer.
Q: Is there a contract or some other kind of paperwork associated with a buyer agent like there is with a listing agent?
A: For years, sellers have been entering into contractual relationships to “list” their properties with real estate brokers. They are called listing agreements. You establish a contractual relationship with us by signing a buyer agency agreement, just as a listing agreement makes the listing agent legally accountable to you and not to any seller. The buyer agency agreement is also a written commitment to you of services that we will provide.
Q: Do “listing agents” prevent “buyers agents” from having full access to all the available properties through the Multiple Listing Service?
A: No, absolutely not. We belong to the West Penn Multiple Listing Service, so we can show you homes listed with any agent. In addition, since we represent you and not sellers, we regularly show homes that are For Sale By Owner and For Sale By Builder that are not listed in the MLS.
Q: What if I can’t find a home that I like?
A: If you want to put things on hold for a while, don’t worry about being locked into a lengthy contract with us. You are not obligated to purchase a home and you can stop looking at any time. We can start back up whenever you wish. If you are just having trouble finding the right home, you may want to consider new construction. We can help you choose building lots, builders, and custom-built homes. In the process, we will help save you time, effort, and money!
Q: Isn’t the agent who shows me the home representing me?
A: If you walk into an open-house, or a new-construction-site model home and any agent tells you that they are the only one who can “write” up the paperwork… don’t believe it! Agents who list properties enter into a signed contract with the seller to represent them in the sale of their property. Our advice is that unless you have previously interviewed the agent and have entered into a written Agency Agreement wherein they have promised to represent only your best interest and you trust him/her, walk away. You may find yourself working with an agent who is obligated to act in the best interests of the seller.
Q: If you work for the buyer and you negotiate the price down, aren’t you also lowering the amount of commission you will make?
A: Yes, we will make a little less commission. There are agents who want every dollar in commission on every transaction. We aren't those agents. We put your interests first. We want you to be so happy with our service and our negotiating skills that you will recommend us to your friends, family and co-workers. Your goodwill and word-of-mouth advertising will be worth much more than the lost commission dollars.
Q: I’m moving to another city. Can you find me a buyer agent at my destination?
A: Yes. As soon as you find out that you are moving, call us and we will provide you with the name and phone number of an Accredited Buyer Agent® nearest your destination. We will screen agents for you at absolutely no cost whatsoever! Coldwell Banker Real Estate is serviced by the largest relocation company in the nation—so we can find you a great agent, in any area.
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