Buyers Center
Why Work With Marion? Your Buyers Representation
Do you know that the traditional real estate agent is legally obligated to look after the best interests of the seller, not the buyer?
For many years, investors and corporations hired buyer agents to represent their best interests in locating and purchasing real estate. On the other hand, most individual buyers began their real estate purchase journey by contacting a local real estate agent. When they found an agent with whom they felt comfortable, they began a search for a home with "their" agent. She must be representing "them," they concluded; after all, she put them in her car, toured homes with them for several days (weeks, months), bought them lunch and learned all she could about their needs, family life, and finances so she could "help" them.
A Buyers Agent Represents ONLY You, Not the Seller
Little did the old-fashioned buyers know that "their" agent was legally obligated to look after the best interests of the seller, according to the terms of the listing agreement signed by the sellers. The agent was obligated by law to share with the sellers any information, confidential or not, that would give the sellers the edge in selling their house for the highest dollar amount and for the best terms they could get from the buyers. In the "old days" there was no one to represent the best interests of the buyers. The sellers, the listing agent, and the agent working with the buyers all had the same goals: to represent only the seller. This made a rather unbalanced situation. Three against one! The buyers were left to do the best they could, unless they hired an expensive attorney, but most of them didn't have that kind of money.
Real estate transactions today no longer follow that inequitable model of traditional brokerage. In recent years, courts have ruled that when real estate licensees perform services on behalf of others, they are accountable as "fiduciaries" (a person or institution whose primary duty is to put the interest of the client first). The relationship between agent and client must be in writing and it spells out the duties and obligations of both parties.
YOUR Agent, From Beginning to End
I can go one step further in representing you by offering you EXCLUSIVE BUYER Agency. I can represent you 100% of the time. I will always be your agent, from the beginning to end of the transaction. I do not take listings, and I do not work for a company that takes listings. Agents who list properties, or work for a company that lists properties, may start out by representing you, but may have to become dual agents if you choose to buy one of their listings or one of their company's listings. At that time you lose the advantage of help with determining what price you should offer initially, or what other terms and contingencies the offer should have. The dual agent will fill out the offer to purchase documents, but without any advice or guidance from that point on. The dual agent will not be able to negotiate on your behalf, as I could as your Exclusive Buyer Agent.
Best of All, My Services are Already Included in the Price of the Home!
One final thought ... the sellers have agreed to pay a commission to the agent who brings them a contract that results in a sale. That money will be paid from their proceeds, but where do their proceeds from the sale come from? You're right. They’re included in the sales price and taken from the money YOU bring to the table!
You Want a Responsive, Communicative Agent, Don't You?
I am very accessible; I can be reached by e-mail, telephone (with voice mail), and FAX machine. If I am not in when you call, you will be contacted within 24 hours. In addition to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), my access to other high-tech tools allows me to communicate with you and to obtain information for your review and consideration on matters requiring your decision throughout the buying process.
So, why don't you be your own best friend and choose to work with me as an Exclusive Buyer Agent, a real estate agent who represents your best interests 100% of the time. Please feel free to contact me and we’ll take a moment to discuss in greater detail the relationship we can establish to benefit you in your next real estate transaction.
So, why don't you be your own best friend and choose to work with me as an Exclusive Buyer Agent, a real estate agent who represents your best interests 100% of the time. Please feel free to contact me and we’ll take a moment to discuss in greater detail the relationship we can establish to benefit you in your next real estate transaction.