4 Reasons to Hire an Agent when Buying a Home

There are many reasons to hire an agent when you are buying (or selling!) a home. It's an exciting and emotional time. Without some guidance, small or overlooked items can turn into major headaches. Here are the top 4 reasons to use an agent when buying a home. 

1. Representation

Sellers are likely represented by a Listing Agent. That agent's main responsibility is to the seller. 

Even a Builder's Representative at a new model home works for the builder, not the buyer. They will look out for the best interests of their employer, not the buyer. 

As a buyer, you need someone looking out for your best interests - a Buyer's Agent. When you hire a buyer's agent, they are bound by fiduciary duty to their client - you. 

In most cases, you won't have to pay for a Buyer's Agent to represent you. A seller will pay a fee to a listing agent for selling their home. Typically, that listing agent will split the fee with the buyer's agent who brings them a successful buyer. 

Make sure you are represented. Negotiations, local laws, contracts, and more have wreaked chaos with buyers and/or seller who were not represented. 

2. Knowing What to Look for in Viewing Homes

A buyer's agent looks at home on a daily basis. Their knowledge and experience can help you when searching for just the right home for you/your family. 

There are red flags that a buyer's agent can point out to you when viewing homes. Things you may miss since you don't do this every day. Things like:

• Signs of leaks
• Pests
• Major Components 
• Potential foundation/roofing issues

You don't look at homes daily, so it's understandable that you may miss a red flag. Your buyer's agent is trained and experienced in finding these red flags so you can make the best decision about a home. 

3. Understanding the Local Housing Market

Real estate is hyper-local. That means from city to city and even from neighborhood to neighborhood, housing prices and expectations can be different.

A buyer's agent has access to all the sold comparable homes in the area. This will help ensure you craft an offer in line with local house values and one you are comfortable with.

4. Keep Emotions in Check

Like we said, buying a home is an exciting and emotional time.  When you hire an agent, they can act as a sort of filter to bring you back to your initial reasons for buying a home. Additionally, they can present you with the facts of the home and situation, so you can make an informed decision. 

They don't have an emotional attachment to the homes you look at so they can help keep you from making an emotional or rash decision you may later regret. The final decision is always the buyers, but your agent can point out the pros and cons of a property. That helps you focus on making a decision you are happy with. 

Hiring An Agent

Think about these top 4 reasons to hire an agent when buying a home. There are many more reasons not covered in this article but that you benefit from. 

The Evelo Team agents are ready to guide you on the journey to buying a home. As professionals, we'll protect and represent your best interests, always. Isn't that what you need when making one of the largest purchases a person ever makes? 

We think so, too.