Contact Tony Fantis 801.541.8806

11 Reasons to have your own Exclusive Buyer's Agent Representation

#1 Maintain your confidentiality advantages

The seller's agent is REQUIRED to disclose to the seller anything you tell them that may help the seller get a better price. Any information you give the seller's agent may inadvertently give the seller the advantage, not you. Having your own Realtor keeps your confidential information private.

#2 Save money with an experienced negotiator

Some buyers believe they can save money by not having an agent. This is usually not the case. First, a buyer may pay way too much for a home by not having his or her own Realtor in the ring. And in Utah's state-approved contracts, sellers pay the same commission regardless of whether you (the buyer) have your own agent or not. Finally, a comprehensive market analysis from an experienced Realtor will show you why a home is worth (or not worth) a certain price, and can recommend not to go over a certain price. Having your own experienced Realtor helps protect your wallet.

#3 Protect your earnest money

When you make an offer on a house, you will write an earnest money check as a deposit. In some situations or after a certain amount of time, this money may not be refundable to you. A strong Realtor helps to keep you in line with your contractual obligations, and to protect your earnest money through contingencies and reasonable timelines in a contract. By working with your own Realtor, you can be assured that your earnest money is being protected.

#4 What if...?

There are hundreds of "what-if's" that happen to buyers every day in real estate. What if you find out the furnace needs replaced or there is a leak in the roof? What if your financing falls through? What if the home doesn't appraise for the price you offered?

Knowledgeable Realtors work in the real estate market every day and know how to get through the "what-if's" that happen all too regularly. The truth is, it is the rare real estate transaction that goes off without a hitch. An experienced Realtor knows where things can go wrong, how to deal with most any situation, and how to avoid most of them altogether.

#5 "...but I play one on TV!"

Some of us remember the aspirin commercial with a TV actor sporting a lab jacket stating, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV." Everyone knows a TV actor is not a doctor, but the campaign worked. Why? Because he was marketing aspirin. Anyone can learn to take aspirin by simply reading the bottle.

Real estate can be exceedingly complex. It's not as complicated as open heart surgery, but it's also not the same as a true do-it-yourself project like installing a new fixture, painting walls, or changing the locks on your home.

In Utah, there are over 60 real estate forms that must be used when they apply to any purchase or sale. Each one has its specific meaning, intent, and legal ramifications. There are also many ways to maneuver through the many requirements and deadlines. An experienced Realtor knows these legal documents intimately, and can help you navigate the rough waters smoothly so you can focus on moving, your work, and your family.

#6 For Sale By Owner - buyer beware

Many people assume buying a home directly from the seller will save them money. This is rarely the case. Most owners will try to sell their home for the same price as someone working with a Realtor, then pocket the extra money. SELLERS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN SAVING YOU MONEY!

Also, you may not receive several legally-required disclosures. You may not be treated fairly or equitably. The seller may not even have the legal ability to sell you the home! Can you imagine what it would be like to go to the closing table, only to find out there is an another person who owns the house that didn't sign the purchase contract, and doesn't want to sell you the home? Hint: You don't have a legal contract, you won't get the home.

7 out of 10 sellers that try to sell their home on their own ultimately list their home with an agent. In the meantime, most sellers will happily pay for your buyer's agent. If you see a home that looks interesting, but is not listed for sale with a real estate firm, call your buyer's agent.

#7 MLS tips and tricks

Most buyers now know they can search the MLS without an agent. You can even do this on my website, www.saltyhomes.com. But, it's not really full access to the MLS. A buyer's agent has full access to the MLS, and can help set you up with automatic daily updates of the hottest new listings directly to your e-mail. Imagine being able to say,"I only want to see the homes with 3 beds, 2 baths, a 2 car garage, fully fenced, and it must be brick."

The full MLS access grants buyers the ability to choose very specific items that are not available on the public access. Then, you can receive daily updates in your e-mail of ONLY the homes that match your criteria, as soon as they hit the market.

Besides, it's just not fun to call on houses when the seller's agent doesn't call you back, or when you get the "20 questions" routine from an agent that doesn't work for you. (See item #1.) A great Realtor can help you beat other buyers to the perfect home, give you daily updates on new listings/price changes, and answer all your real estate questions with your best interests at heart.



Tony Fantis is a full-time professional Realtor, and is in the top 5% of all Utah Realtors. He works out of Salt Lake City with RE/MAX Associates, Utah's #1 office in sales per agent. Tony Fantis may be reached by dialing 1-800-827-7362 or 801-541-8806.