Competent buyer’s agents assist their clients in thinking clearly throughout the home-buying process. For example, suppose a house is a good deal. In that case, a buyer’s agent might recommend looking beyond the outdated bathroom and kitchen to envision the space above the garage as the perfect art studio you desire. Similarly, a charming house with all the amenities but structural deficiencies or a 40-year-old roof might not be worth the asking price. The agent should also encourage you to check the existing zoning before making an offer to ensure the property meets your needs. Agree to sign a buyer’s agreement after meeting with an agent and discussing the payment terms, whether a negotiated commission structure or a direct payment from the buyer to the buyer's agent (if the seller hasn't agreed to cover the buyer's agent commission). A buyer’s agent must legally maintain your confidentiality, disclose material facts to you (including the possibility of direct compensation), and remain loyal to you.
LOOK FOR PROPER CREDENTIALS
You wouldn’t trust a doctor without the proper credentials and licensing. Similarly, don’t trust a real estate agent who doesn’t present theirs or lacks them altogether. While it’s easy to find real estate agents who can do the job, seeking out agents with exceptional credentials—those who have gone the extra mile to take additional classes in specific specialties of real estate sales—is worth your time. Here are just a few credentials within real estate that you should be on the lookout for: • Certified Real Estate Negotiator (CREN): Completed additional negotiation training 10
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