When it’s time to buy a house, it’s a big decision. When you are looking to buy that home in Springfield or Burke, you might want to hire a buyer’s agent. It can be tempting to avoid hiring a buyer’s agent since most homes being sold are listed by an agent.

However, the listing agent isn’t working for you. They represent the seller and have to protect their best interests.

If you’re considering buying a house, it’s time to understand why you need a buyer’s agent. Here are some of the top reasons to hire a good agent to represent you.

8 Reasons to Hire a Buyer’s Agent

1. You Won’t Pay Anything

Did you know, the real estate commission is covered by the seller for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent? It’s very rare for the buyer to pay any money towards the real estate commission.

Usually, the commission will be the same, whether you hire a buyer’s agent or choose not to. Unless you plan to buy a For Sale By Owner property, you will be able to hire a buyer’s agent and avoid paying the commission.

2. Master Negotiator

Unless you negotiate for a living, hiring a buyer’s agent gives you someone to negotiate the deal. Your agent will understand the local market and help advise you on the offer. They will also negotiate on your behalf throughout the deal.

Even after you’ve made an offer, your agent will help with negotiations. If a repair comes back on the home inspection, they will know how to get the price reduces or get the seller to fix the issue. This is one of the main reasons you will want to hire a buyer’s agent.

3. Help with Your Home Search

When you hire a buyer’s agent, they will help you find the right home. A good agent will know how to take your needs and wants list and turn it into homes you can actually look at.

Whether you’re shopping for a home for your family or you’re looking for a home just for you, a good buyer’s agent will help you find the right house.

4. Keeps the Deal Moving Forward

It can be difficult to organize everything that comes along with a real estate transaction. You might not understand the entire process, but your buyer’s agent will.

When you hire a buyer’s agent to represent you, they will keep the deal moving forward. Your agent will know how to navigate things, such as the home inspection, appraisal, securing financing, and scheduling a closing.

5. Understands Real Estate Contracts

There’s plenty of paperwork that comes along with a real estate transaction. It can be overwhelming for anybody not working in real estate full-time.

When you hire a buyer’s agent to represent you, they will understand all the contracts. Your agent will be able to explain what you’re signing and what the contracts say so that you can understand the deal better.

6. Provide Professional Recommendations

Do you know an appraiser, mortgage company, and home inspector you trust? During a real estate transaction, the will be a need for many professionals and your agent will know who to call.

Real estate agents work with other professionals every day. They know who does a good job and who doesn’t. They might even know which lenders use a specific appraiser and which home inspector is the most thorough.

When you hire a buyer’s agent you gain access to their list of professionals. They can recommend the right people for you to work with including lenders, inspectors, lawyers, and appraisers.

7. Provides an Emotional Guard

Buying a home becomes rather emotional. It’s going to be the place you live for many years. If you make decisions based on emotion, you could overpay or may the wrong decision.

Hiring a buyer’s agent gives you an emotional filter. They will help keep emotions out of the decision, which will ensure you make a better final buying decision.

8. Real Estate Agents can Spot Red Flags

You might not be very skilled when it comes to noticing water damage, roof issues, pest infestations, and other home issues. Real estate agents work with homes every single day. They know what to look for.

While a home inspection does help protect you, a good buyer’s agent will see some of the red flags before you even make an offer. Your agent can save you time and spot any issues before you write up an offer.

Hiring a buyer’s agent to represent you is a step you don’t want to skip. In most cases, it won’t cost you anything. Your agent will protect your interests and negotiate on your behalf. This can be even more helpful for first-time homebuyers.

When you’re ready to make one of the biggest decisions of your life, you need a professional to help guide you. For most, buying a home will be the biggest financial transaction of their lifetime. Don’t go into this huge transaction without proper representation.