Home › Forums › Housing › without buyers agent? › Some things to consider: I
Some things to consider:
I see a buyers’ agent doing three things for you: 1) Preview houses 2) Negotiate, offer pricing advice and write offers. 3) Move the process along.
1) How familiar are you with the market and area in which you are buying ? If you just moved here, it’ll be tough without an agent.
If you have already found a house, or if you really know the area well, then you might be ok without an agent.
Also – how much time do you have ? If you don’t mind taking the time to check on places, you may not need an agent but it can get old quickly.
2) How business savvy are you? There can be tricks and traps in the negotiating process. You have to know when you are being lied to.
If you are patient and don’t mind making some negotiating mistakes in which you lose houses you want, then you can learn as you go.
Can you pull your own comps ? Knowing the actual sale price of comparable houses is important.
3) Make sure the escrow agent is solid. A good one can really keep the process moving and makes a buyers’ agent less necessary.
Tell the selling agent you expect him/her to help move the process along. Maybe she could provide forms for you to write up offers ?
Considering a short sale? That could be a major pain without a realtor.
Overall, one less middleman makes things just a little easier, if you don’t mind doing the work and putting your fate in your own hands.
Getting pre-qualified is a must.
