What Do Agents Do For Buyers?

According to the National Association of REALTORS 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, eighty-eight percent of home buyers purchased through a real estate agent or broker. Seven percent purchased from a builder or their agent but many used an agent to represent their interests.

So what do buyers say they want from their agent?

Most want help in finding the right house, which is even more critical now since inventory is in such short supply. Agents often know of properties soon to come on the market and can help their clients get a jump on the general market.

Many also want help in negotiating price  and terms of sale.

So what do buyers say they got for working with an agent?

• Helped the buyer better understand the process.(78% of first time buyers)

• Pointed out unnoticed features/flaws

• Negotiated better contract terms

• Improved buyers knowledge of search areas

• Provided a better list of service providers

• Negotiated a better price

• Shortened the buyer's home search

Working with a great agent pays dividends in ways many buyers don't anticipate but since it is likely the largest purchase of their life it's extremely important.