Buyer Tips - How to Hire a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent can be very tricky. The traditional commission paid is offered by the Seller. At closing, the Seller will pay both the Listing Agent and the Selling Agent out of proceeds the Buyer paid the Seller. Technically and legally, both agents are working for the Seller . . . unless the Selling agent has a separate agreement with the Buyer. We offer you an intelligent choice.

In addition to traditional service, we provide you with the option of purchasing blocks of our time. This means we work for you, and only you. We owe nothing to the Seller, except for fair-dealing. With the flat fee option, I have no incentive to sell you a house simply to earn a commission. Actually, about 20% of our clients that choose this option, decide NOT to purchase a home in this market or they postpone their purchase.

For traditional real estate agents, the only way they get paid, is if they sell you a house . . . even if the house and the market are not right for you. As a flat-fee agent, I am here to tell you the truth, and nothing but the truth about the homes you look at and the real estate market. My only goal is to protect you, and if that means telling you this is not a good time to buy or this is not the area for you, that is what I will do.

And here is a perfect example. We had a couple from Europe considering this Sailfish Point. They purchased two weeks of my time, and I showed them Sailfish Point and the entire area from Palm Beach to Vero. After two weeks, I advised them to rent for a few months, because I was not quite sure this was where they would feel comfortable in a vacation home. That winter they rented. After three months, they decided the area was not right for them! If they had been working with a traditional agent, they would have purchased the $4 million home they "thought" they were in love with. Now they would be trying to sell that $4 million home at a significant loss and the expenses that go along with selling a home.

One more example. Two years ago I had a couple from California looking to retire here. Once again, I advised them to rent. There were two reasons for this advice. First, I knew the markets were coming down. Second, I was not sure they knew exactly what they wanted. This year they purchased a home in a different community for about 25% less than homes were selling for two years ago. Not only did they save half a million dollars, but they settled in a community that made them happy.

So before you call a traditional agent or before you call the Listing Agent that is representing the Seller, call me and discuss your plans. Let me help you avoid the costly mistakes so many Buyers make.

Looking for a home in Florida? - I'd welcome the opportunity to assist you with a purchase of a home or condo. For additional information please call me 772-260-5448 or visit www.FloridaHomes.PRO .
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