News > What a Buyer's Agent Can Do For You

A buyer’s agent works on behalf of the home buyer. Their job as your representative is to advise you and negotiate on your behalf.  A listing agent works on behalf of the seller. A duel agent works on behalf of both the buyer and the seller, but their ability to advise and negotiate is limited as their obligations are bound to both parties. /p>

Builder’s/Model Home Agents: Let’s say you walk into a new condo community in San Diego on a lazy Saturday afternoon to look at some model homes. Sign in, and you’ve just waived your right to have a buyer’s agent represent you.  Most home buyers are not aware of this.

Builder’s agents or model home agents work for the builder, not for you. They’re skilled at walking you through the different models, closing the deal, explaining the contract, and referring you to their preferred lender. Without a buyer’s agent to advise you, you have no one that is going to bat for you.  Builder’s or model home agents have a vested interest in their employer – the builder. They won’t offer you impartial advice.

Do you know if your home’s resale value will hold up in today’s market? Are the options presented to you overpriced?  Can you shop around and get a better mortgage rate elsewhere? Is this the best deal or are there resales that are a better deal? Is the builder willing to negotiate?

Yes, builder’s or model home agents have to be truthful, but do they share the whole truth if you don’t ask the proper questions? Maybe not. 

Your buyer’s agent, however, advises you about what to look for in a new property and will negotiate contract terms in keeping with your best interest.   They'll help you find inspectors, mortgage specialists, and designers.

You rarely save money by signing away your right to have a buyer’s agent represent you. In fact, your buyer’s agent can advise you in such a way that can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Listing Agents:  Understand that when you call the listing agent on a “For Sale” sign or visit an open house, you are most likely talking directly with the seller’s agent. They represent the seller, not you. Once again, they’re required to be truthful, but are you knowledgeable enough to ask all of the right questions?

In some cases listing agents can act as a "dual agent,"  but they will be limited in their ability to help you negotiate. They’ll ask you questions like “What do you want to offer?”  When you work with the listing agent, as opposed to your own buyer’s agent, you may be alone in the negotiation process.

Buyer’s Agents: If you’re looking for a buyer’s agent, we’re here for you. My name is Greg Cummings, and my team and I are dedicated to helping our clients find the right condo or townhome in San Diego. 

If you are ready to start your search process, contact us today. We work hard to understand your needs. We know the market inventory, and we can help you find the perfect home for the perfect price.  As your buyer’s agent, we make sure you’re not alone. We’re here to help you through every stage of the buying process from shopping to contract negotiation and every detail in between!

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• San Diego Condo Buyers Guide
• New Construction Condos in San Diego