Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 19

How does a buyer’s agent get paid?

Buyers can be hesitant to work with an agent, because they don’t know the process and how the agent gets paid. They wonder if it will cost them thousands of dollars. The unknown might keep a buyer from hiring an agent.

The buyer’s agent is paid from the seller’s agent or listing agent. When a homeowner lists their house for sale they hire an agent and pay them a commission fee. The list agent then pays out a portion of that commission to the buyer’s agent at time of closing. The buyer’s agent is paid from the seller’s agent not from you the buyer. However, that doesn’t affect the dedication and service I provide when helping you find the home of your dreams.

Do not hesitate to hire a buyer’s agent when purchasing a new home. Working with the right agent can turn a very stressful process into an enjoyable one. You want to team up with someone who works with several buyers a year to help guide you along during the process to ensure nothing is missed. This is one of the largest investments most people make, you want to make sure you have a professional helping you along the way.

A Realtor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business of buying a home. In fact, a licensed real estate professional provides much more than the service of helping you find the home of your dreams. Realtors are not just sales agents. They are expert negotiators and seasoned financial advisors. They are members of the National Association of Realtors and must abide by a code of ethics and standards of practice enforced by the National Association of Realtors. A professional Realtor is your best resource when buying a home!

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a new house, please hire me to be your buyer’s agent!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 18

Do I really need a home inspection?

According to American Society of Home Inspections, Inc., a home inspection is defined as: An objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.

To have as few surprises as possible, you’ll want to learn as much about the home you are purchasing as you can, before you buy it. Buying a home will most likely be the largest investment you will ever make. A home inspection will provide you with information about major repairs that are needed as well as what maintenance needs to be done to keep it in good shape for years to come.

The inspection will include a report that will tell you the condition of the following items and more. Heating system, AC, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement and structural components.

The best way to find a home inspector to hire is to ask friends or business acquaintances to recommend one they were happy with. Your real estate agent should also be able to supply you with some names of home inspectors their clients have been happy with in the past.

I recommend all my clients get a whole home inspection before purchasing any home. Doing this will allow them to move forward with their new home purchase with confidence. It also allows them to learn many things about the house that they can refer to for future reference while owning the home. So my answer is YES, you really need a home inspection!