subject: Exclusive Main Line Buyers Agent On Using A Buyers Agent [print this page] I am a Philadelphia Main Line exclusive buyers agent and I want to talk to you about why you are not using a buyers agent to buy your next home.
You are impatient?
You see houses you like on Realtor.com or Trulia so you call the number listed on that site to go see it?
Did you know that the listing company has a relationship with the seller, not you? You are not required to use the listing company to see the house you can use your own agent at no disadvantage to you. If you call the number on the sign, you may be assigned to whoever is sitting at the front desk when you call. Companies prefer junior people to take these calls because they get a larger percentage of their commissions and make more money. This person works with the listing agent every day. Do you want them to be your agent?
You thought that you had to pay to have your own agent?
Not true in most cases. There is no requirement that you pay a retainer or base fee. A buyers agent usually relies on the contractual obligation from the multiple listing website to be paid the offered amount they dont need you to pay them. Pennsylvania law says you have a right to your own agent, so use one!
You were out driving and you saw an open house in that neighborhood you have always loved so you went in?
That person sitting at that open house has a relationship with the seller. If they are the listing agent they will make more money if you let them help you buy the houseoften twice as much. You will not get the same standard of service if the agent is on both sidesit is a lower standard by law in that case.
You have always wanted a new house where you can pick your colors and cabinet styles so you stopped in at the model?
Builders will usually not pay your agent unless he or she is with you at the first visit. They do not like you to have your own buyers agent. High pressure, unfair forms, hidden costs, and limited rights are common in new construction if you do not have your own advocate. Use one!