One of the marvels of today’s world is the easy access to information of all types. The internet has made it easier for everyone to learn a little about almost anything.
One of the drawbacks is the ease in which a novice can paint themselves as an expert. We need to be aware that not everything we read on the internet is real or factual.
For example, just a few days ago, one of our clients experienced first-hand a long running scam on Craigslist. We had listed their home for sale and secured a binding contract within a few days.
Soon after, someone appeared at the front door wanting to view the home – for rent. They had seen it listed for rent on Craigslist at a ridiculously low price. The Craigslist post was a fake; intended to dupe an overly trusting renter into sending a security deposit and first month rent to a fraudulent account miles away. The offer was too good to be true.
We run into a different challenge when working with clients or interested prospects shopping online for homes. Almost daily we hear from buyers wanting to see a home they viewed on Zillow or another website that has already been sold. It is very common for homes to already be under contract by the time an interested buyer finds them on the web.
Unfortunately, a fair amount of the real estate information you will find on the internet is outdated, not completely accurate or missing some important fact. This brings me to this week’s suggestions that serious buyers will almost always benefit from working with an experienced, professional Buyer Agent.
Buying a home without the help of an experienced Buyer Agent is like going to court without legal counsel. Let me explain why.
There are many myths and misunderstandings when it comes to buying a home without representation. For starters, it’s important to know that the listing or onsite agent is working for the seller or builder (not the buyer). While all licensed agents are obligated to deal fairly with both sides, they are not going to share information that might be harmful to the client that they legally represent.
Many buyers hope to save money by skirting from agent to agent as they go through the buying process. The problem with that theory is none of the agents will develop a loyal interest in them; and it probably won’t save them any money. Most of the time the listing agent earns the full commission if the buyer is unrepresented; or the builder makes a greater profit.
If you want your interests protected during the purchase of a home, new or used, take the time to interview and choose a qualified Buyer Agent to represent you. Experience has proven that the best relationships are created when the prospective buyer takes a few minutes and allows the Buyer Agent to learn what the prospective buyer really wants and needs.
Peace of mind comes from knowing that “my agent represents me, not the seller.”
– Ann Hoke
Ann Hoke & Associates Keller Williams
For more information or comments, contact her at (615) 397-4024 or [email protected]. Each KW office is independently owned and operated.
