I would consider asking the listing agent to represent me as a buyers agent if the terms are acceptable to me. You are the customer and the customer should be in controll. I am to choose buyer representation I would then put my buyers agent to work by getting me every piece of info I need. Like comparable sales in the last six months. Termite bond. Property inpection. all permits plat maps surveys deeds appraisals. Now the agent is now a dual agent so if I am to hire him as my agent what is this going to cost me or better yet how much is he or she going to contribute towrds my purchase of the property since now he does not need to split the pie he gets it all to hisor her self, well me as a buyer I love pie.

Choosing a Realtor is like choosing a doctor, EXPERIANCE COUNTS! Find someone your comfortable with that will take the time to understand your circumstances, your family, your short and long term goals as well as knowledgeable about the market you are buying in. Ask them how many sales they have had in the past 12 months. Do they have client referrals? Also be watchful that they are interested in showing you ALL listings (not just their own) in the market you buying in. Ask if they are a "full time" realtor that is available 24/7 when you are available to look. How many listing do they have? That answer can indicate that people are willing to trust their most valuable asset with this person. See if they are interested in investing time into making you a knowledgeable Buyer with all the latest options, incentives and choices open to 1st time Buyers. Knowledge is “key” when buying a home. We would love the opportunity to serve you give us a call or come by, right here in Cairo or visit our website

Don't think you need a buyer's agent since one is already on-site at the property? You might want to read this. An unrepresented buyer recently approached the on-site real estate agent of a well-known national builder operating in the Atlanta Metro Area about the purchase of one of the builder's model homes. Trusting that the agent had her best interest in mind too (after all, the agent explained all of the documents to her before asking her to immediately sign), the unrepresented buyer quickly signed the lengthy agreements and handed over earnest money in excess of $1,500.

Well, when the property did not appraise for the agreed upon sales price, their in-house lender would not close on the loan. The builder would not reduce the price, the agent would no longer return telephone calls and this buyer is now a renter once again since the $1,500 she lost was all the money she had available at the time. This entire avoidable scenario is one among others that occurs frequently. Representation by your own Metro Atlanta REALTOR® usually costs you nothing on the purchase of your Atlanta, Georgia Houses or Atlanta Condos for sale (and no, they usually won't consider lowering the price further since you are not represented), but can save big!

For more reasons why buyer's representation should be considered, see the link below.

Good Morning Leeyah,

So far everyone has suggested that you have your own agent and will not differ from that excellent advice. I would however also suggest that your agent be an Accredited Buyers Agent sometimes referred to as an ABR. As an ABR your agent will have been through extensive classroom training as well as testing to ensure that they know the best ways to represent you in the transaction. After all that is what you should be searching for, someone that represents you and has your best interests at heart. Good Luck with your purchase.

Leeyah
One of the best values in real estate is a Realtor that can negotiate on your behalf, help you get the best price and terms, and knows market values and trends. I would recommend interviewing Realtors and selecting the one that you believe can best meet your needs. You will be working very closely together.

Leeyah,

You should find an agent to represent you.

The big misconception about working with the listing agent is that the seller won't have to pay as much commission since the buyer does not have an agent. This in turn would allow you to pay less for the home.

Not True. In some cases a listing agent may reduce their commission a small amount, but working directly with the listing agent just ensures the listing agent will make more money on the sale of the home. Any gain by the buyer is minimal and in most cases worse.

The listing agent is bound to represent the seller 100% this means getting their home sold for the best price they can.

A buyers agents main job is to get you the best deal possible, help you research areas you consider moving to, and help you through the home buying process.

Take advantage of the sellers offering to pay a commission for your representation.

May I suggest that you consider looking for a Realtor with a CRS designation. Fewer than 4% of Realtors nationwide qualify for this prestigious designation that requires substantial additional education and significant proven sales results reprensenting buyers and/or sellers. You can find a CRS agent in your area by visiting the CRS.com website. Depending on your state regulations, a Realtor who lists a home for sale may not be able to represent you. In some states, that representation for both the buyer and seller is carefully defined. Be sure you know what the rules are in Georgia before you confide in a Realtor who may be representing the seller. Good luck to you.

Enjoy the benefits of working with an experienced real estate professional at no cost to you. Sellers pay for their services while you enjoy the assistance you need to buy your home.

Get your own agent... the benefits are as unique as the property and the people involved, but there are ALWAYS benefits to being represented. If you'd like a referral to an agent who can assist you, please email me at vchrisner@kw.com - sorry I am no where near your area, so I don'e be able to help you personally.

Leeyah,

We also feel it would serve your best interest to identify a real estate professional that would be able to represent your specific personal interests. Eventhough it is commonly done, it remains difficult for a single agent to maintain neutrality while working for both the buyer and the seller.

Our best regards,
The "Eckler Team"

GREAT QUESTION: You need to secure your own agent, not the listing agent. In most instances never works well on the behalf of the buyer. You would also be covered under your own agent e & o insurance policy. http://www.lynn911.com http://www.homes-for-sale-dallas.com