Should I hire a Realtor when buying a home?

What is a Buyer's Agent? Buyer agency is the highest level of client representation afforded to a buyer by a real estate professional. When you engage a "buyer's agent" your real estate professional is required to represent your interests as long as those interests are not illegal.

Why is this of value to me as a buyer? The "listing agent" represents the seller of a property. In negotiating price and terms, the seller has an advocate to represent their interests, but unless you have executed a buyer agency agreement with your agent, your interests may not be represented.

What is required of me as a buyer to be afforded this level of representation? A written and signed "buyer agency" agreement is required by Georgia Law.

What will a real estate professional do for me as my buyer's agent? You will be afforded a higher level of service. Your buyer's agent will analyze information such as comparative market analysis, advise you on negotiating and wording a purchase and sale agreement and act as your advocate in the purchase process.

If I decline a "buyer's agency", who represents my interests? If you decline "buyer agency," you will not have a representative to look out for your best interests. In fact, your agent may be required by law to represent the interests of the seller.

How much does this higher level of representation cost me? Actually, in 99% of real estate transactions, the seller pays all commissions, and the buyer receives the full benefit of professional representation. You may want to instruct your agent to show you only those properties for which the seller has agreed to compensate the buyer's agent.

What are my responsibilities as a buyer in this agreement? In this agreement, you agree to handle all real estate concerns through your agent. You agree neither to seek real estate information nor to view or purchase any property without your buyer's agent.

Why would someone not want to be represented by a buyer's agent? As a buyer, you alone may make that decision. We have yet to hear of a good reason why a buyer would refuse representation. In our experience, buyers without buyer's agents simply have not been informed that they have a right to be represented. After you sign a buyer's agency agreement, the process begins immediately.

Read more about the buying process.