The Buyer Agent difference
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 07:41PM 
As a Buyer's Agent I don't sell homes, I consult with buyers, present them with options and provide them with the needed information to make an informed decision. This is much different from a listing agent who has a contract with sellers to sell their home for the highest price possible.
I'm motivated as a Buyer's Agent to get the lowest price and best terms and conditions possible for the buyer, even if it means receiving a somewhat lower commission, because if I please the buyers they'll tell others, and if I don't please the buyers, they'll tell others. The best advertising in the world is word-of-mouth. Since I work only with buyers, I can't afford a reputation of not doing what I say I will do -- I can't rely on the next listing.
Most listing agents will be honest with you and nice to you if you go directly to them, but they are bound by contract to protect the seller's position. I'm not bound by contract to protect the seller's position -- I'm bound to protect the buyer's position. If people tell you there's no benefit to using a Buyer's Agent, don't believe them.
Buyer's Agents aren't as prevalent in Savannah real estate, but there are a couple of us who do exclusively buyer agency. Doing Buyer Agency exclusively is the only way to avoid a conflict of interest. It helps to know the difference.
Reader Comments (1)
Great points. I worked with some buyers who, prior to enlisting me as their buyer's agent, almost went directly to the listing Agent. After some investigative work by me, we found out the listing agent had been lying to them about prior disclosures, etc. Had I not become involved, my clients would have had over $40,000 in repairs on a $500k home.
Occasionally I meet buyers who don't want to work with a buyer's agent and feel they'll get a better deal going directly to the listing agent. What points do you make to folks like this?