Buyer's Agent?

[Iceman90]

Hello,

I am a first time buyer, in the market for a home. I've been told that I should work with a buyer's agent. What's the difference between a buyer's agent and a regular agent?

[fundmark19]

If I were to guess they were referring to any agent that isn't the listing agent of the properties you are interested in. Just message Realtor 1 and he will take care of you. Great guy, great service you won't have any issues.

[bizaro86]

Buyer's agent is just an agent that works for you. Basically, you get impartial advice, access to research (they can pull comps, etc), and help setting up appointments/negotiating. The seller pays the same fee, and the buyer's agent gets half of the money, so it doesn't cost you anything.

I've tried the "go unrepresented and try to negotiate the commission savings" thing, and it doesn't work. Also, it takes forever to get a chance to go look at anything.

[Iceman90]

So is there a special realtor I need to go to who is a buyer's agent, or I can hire any realtor and they assume that role?

[Minnie]

Ask whomever you want.

I think it's a good idea. I will never ever use the same realtor to buy, as the one who is selling, ever again. We had a bad experience that way and I've never wanted to smack someone so much.

[Caged Great]

Where are you looking to buy?

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

Buyer's agent is just an agent that works for you. Basically, you get impartial advice, access to research (they can pull comps, etc), and help setting up appointments/negotiating. The seller pays the same fee, and the buyer's agent gets half of the money, so it doesn't cost you anything.

I've tried the "go unrepresented and try to negotiate the commission savings" thing, and it doesn't work. Also, it takes forever to get a chance to go look at anything.

And if you're unrepresented the seller will still try to sell the house for the same price as if you had an agent.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

And if you're unrepresented the seller will still try to sell the house for the same price as if you had an agent.

Yeah, there is no reason not to get a buyer's agent if you're buying a house listed on MLS.

To the OP: Any realtor will be willing and able to provide this service, there isn't really "specialist" buyers agents. I'd interview a few and try and find someone who fits. Why not include the site sponsor in that process, since you're benefiting from his forum?

[Travis Munroe]

Iceman, let me know if you want to meet and discuss what your after!

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

I'd interview a few and try and find someone who fits.

This. Do your homework and if any friends refer you to their realtor, ask them why they recommend that realtor. Vague answers like "He did a good job for us" don't really tell you much.

Have a look at the Massive shoutout to Realtor1 thread for some positive feedback on Travis. You will see what I mean by some specific answers that some of us gave.