Do you really need a buyer's agent to get a good deal or is a listing agent enough? Are buyer's agents even a thing or is it just another fad realtors are trying to make happen?
The TLDR response is: yes, they are a thing, and if you want to experience as little buyer's remorse as possible as a first-time homebuyer, you'd want to have one by your side before you sign on the dotted line.
But how do you know which is which? Well, the National Buyers Agents Association has got the answer for you.
First thing's first, who or what are buyer's agents?
Unlike listing agents who represent the home seller, buyer's agents represent the interests of the homebuyer in a property transaction and help them negotiate the lowest possible cost. They are obligated to put your interests first as a buyer, offering unbiased advice to protect you from potentially misleading claims about the property.
Many first-time homebuyers are not aware of the distinction between listing agents and buyer's agents. If you're in the market for a property, it’s best to keep in mind that seller’s agents work for the seller, not you. What you need is a buyer's agent who will represent you.
If you don't know how to tell a sales agent from a buyer's agent, the National Buyers Agents Association's website should be your first stop.
The association recently launched a website that helps users find accredited buyer's agents nationwide, removing the hassle of guesswork and manual vetting.
To search, you only need to provide your desired location, type of property, and price range. Once submitted, the site returns a list of buyer's agents working in that locality. It also allows for lender searches, which is especially useful when making large acquisitions like a multi-family apartment or high-value home.
The system handles all the vetting of accredited and experienced buyer's agents. By working with a real buyer's agent, you get benefits like local expertise, strong negotiation skills, and possibly access to off-market listings and deals that don’t show up on a routine Google search.
The National Buyers Agents Association is managed by Skyfor, a group dedicated to educating buyers and providing real estate resources. As part of its advocacy, Skyfor evaluates buyer's agents on behalf of prospective homebuyers.
This new search tool is one of several services designed to simplify the homebuying process, especially for first-time buyers.
Remember: don't talk to a listing agent by yourself. Find a buyer's agent who can help you sift through exaggerated claims, so you can land your dream home on your first try.
Click the link in the description to get started. Skyfor, Inc. dba National Buyers Agents Association City: Evergreen Address: 7652 Gartner Rd. Ste. 723 Website: https://buyeragentsearch.com