50 Reasons to Use a Buyer's Agent (Pre-existing & New Construction)

Did you know that the listing agent or the builder's sales agent represents the seller, not you?  Rather you're buying a pre-existing or new construction home, there is no direct expense to you for having a buyer's agent represent you.  A good buyer's agent can prove to be priceless because of the countless number of tasks they handle for you and because they can help you avoid irreversible pitfalls.  Listed below are just some of the valuable functions a good buyer's agent will perform for you:

1. Analysis of your real estate needs and determine housing criteria

2. Research properties

3. Send you listings that match your needs

4. Provide information pertaining to your move or relocation and short-term stay options

5. Educate you about home buying processes

6. Provide information on market conditions, schools, communities, employment, and more

7. Discuss your financing needs

8. Recommend qualified mortgage brokers

9. Make appointments and show properties

10. Provide timely and professional disclosure and research

11. In car review: pros & cons of each property

12. Point out “Hot Buttons” while showing

13. Help with loan application questions

14. Follow up of loan application with your selected mortgage broker

15. Help cleaning up your credit if needed

16. Analyze purchasing timeline and needs once property is located

17. Free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of a property in order to make an educated offer

18. Call listing agent to get sellers disclosure

19. Draft the offer and prepare paperwork

20. Research tax records

21. Get information on utilities

22. Explain all paperwork before signing

23. Generate net sheet

24. Write offer, collect, deposit escrow and provide verification to listing agent

25. Submit contract and follow up

26. Negotiate contract until mutually agreeable

27. Review and explain final contract

28. Send the title company the executed contract

29. Schedule and attend the home inspection

30. Schedule and attend the termite inspection

31. Recommend insurance agents to you

32. Verify loan process has begun

33. Review home inspection findings with you

34. Re-negotiate repairs if needed

35. Order survey/appraisal

36. Assist to meet finance deadline

37. Monitor contingencies – financing, home inspection, etc.

38. Check on homeowners insurance

39. Verify that the title agency has all necessary documentations

40. Follow up with the lender on all aspects of closing process

41. Schedule closing: time and place

42. Review HUD (closing statement)

43. Perform a final walk-through

44. Determine the funds to be brought to closing

45. Coordinate between lenders and title company to determine amount needed

46. Release escrow to title company

47. Explain everything needed at closing

48. Attend your closing to check for errors and omissions

49. Give you the keys to your new home!

50. Follow up after closing – homestead info and insuring that everything is going fine in your new home