News > Buying a Condo in Austin? Why you want a Buyer's Agent

If you are new to buying, or perhaps it's been a while, you'll want to make sure you understand the world of agency when it comes to buying and selling real estate. When you want to sell a home, you enlist the help of a real estate agent, called a listing agent.  A listing agent “lists” the property in the multiple-listing-service (MLS) where the home can be seen by many people and any licensed agent can market these homes to buyers. That's why you see so many Austin condos and townhomes for sale on our website.

While any real estate agent has a  duty to act fairly and truthfully, it’s easy for a buyer to get swept up in an emotional purchase and take action without examining all the details and available options. That's where a buyer's agent comes in. A buyer's agent represents the buyer exclusively and has the buyer's best interest in mind.

Listing agents answer the phone when you call the number on a for sale sign. They’re often the people who greet you when you visit an open house or new home community sales office. They actively market the property and do their best to emphasize all the best selling points.

A buyer’s agent takes you step-by-step through the process of searching for a home, evaluating it, and negotiating the price. It sometimes happens that a buyer goes to visit a new home community and falls in love with a model home. The seller’s agent will work to close the deal as quickly as possible, without offering the buyer assistance in finding something comparable. They might even sweeten the deal with in-house financing, which may or may not offer the best rate.

That is why it’s good to have a buyer’s agent with you whenever you shop for a home. In a nutshell:

• A buyer’s agent can show you and assist you in purchasing any home that other real estate agents are offering for sale.
• A buyer’s agent will create a list of available homes that suit your needs and wish list and show you the ones you want to see. Buying a home is usually the biggest purchase a person makes so you want to give yourself every advantage.
• A buyer’s agent helps you evaluate each home and compare the available options. They also walk you through the purchase process, making sure all your questions are answered in a timely fashion and nothing falls through the cracks. They can also help you negotiate the best deal possible.

We can show you any of the Austin condos on our website and would be delighted to act as your buyer’s agent for available homes that are listed by another agent or broker. Even if you're just starting your purchase process (many of our clients work with us for over a year), contact us and we can start you out on the right track!

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• Austin Condo Buyer Resources