contact sellers’ agents, and secure appointments for viewing the homes. On their own, buyers have a more difficult time with these things. This is even more so the case when a buyer is moving due to relocation or employment opportunity and does not engage a buyer’s agent to handle matters. A buyer who goes directly to the listing agent and allows that agent to manage both sides of the transaction is dealing with a dual agent. This may inherently result in an agent who has conflicting responsibilities. Their job is to get a good price for the seller, and they might not as zealously represent the interests of the buyer. This by no means suggests that a dual agent can’t represent both the buyer and seller to bring about a mutually- beneficial transaction.
MORE ACCESS TO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET
A real estate agent will have better access to the market and a special knowledge of local conditions. The agent is a liaison between sellers and buyers. An agent will have ready access to other properties listed. Buyers’ and sellers’ agents know how to put a real estate transaction together.
NEGOTIATING IS HARDER ON YOUR OWN
A real estate agent will help keep the transaction at arm’s length, such that personalities and emotions do not become involved. Price negotiations take a special skill and understanding of the psychology of offering and counter offering. Agents keep the transaction dispassionate and rational. For example, a buyer (you) might like a home but despise its wood- paneled walls, shag carpet, and lurid orange kitchen. When you work with an agent, you can express your opinions on the current owner’s decorating skills and complain about how much it will cost to upgrade the home, without insulting the owner.
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