Q: Probably the number one question asked of an exclusive buyer's agent is "Who pays for it?".

A: As we all know, nothing in life is truly free. Someone always pays, and in this case it is the person listing the property you are buying. It doesn't cost you anything at all to use our services as the seller pays the commission fee.

Q: If I have not signed a buyer agency agreement, is the agent representing me or the seller?

A: In order to be represented by an agent (the agent works to protect your interest only) you must sign a buyer agency agreement.

Q: Other agents have told me that exclusive buyer agents don't specialize in a specific neighborhood, therefore I should work with a listing agent that knows the neighborhood. Is that good advice?

A: No. You should always work only with an exclusive buyer agent. The exclusive buyer agent has all the financial data (home on the market and sold comparable data) available through multi-listing service and will always drive through the neighborhood to search for any undesirable factors in the neighborhood before you make an offer on a property. School data and crime data is readily available for anyone desiring the information.

Q: My friend recommended that I use the agent that helped them buy a home. The agent works for a company that lists homes. Should I depend on her word that the agent did a good job for them?

A: No. The agent may have done a good job, however you should not risk having an agent that is tempted to show his/her company listings which require the agent to change representation to a designated agent or transaction broker. There will be less legal protection for you.

Q: If we want to buy a new home, is it best if we visit the model home development to find out what we want before we sign an agency agreement with your company?

A: No. You may lose an opportunity to select an agent to represent you, as the agent may attempt to claim he/she has the procuring cause for collecting the selling commission if you came to the development without your buyer agent. They may tell you that if you want to use your agent, you will need to pay for the service.

Q: Three years ago I developed some bad credit because of medical expenses. Will that keep me from qualifying for a loan?

A: Possibly not. It depends on your history of responsibility since that time. Call us to help you with loan qualification.