After searching through pages of online listings, you’ve compiled a master list of every open house you’re interested in touring. You’re ready to start attending open houses, but you don’t have a buyer’s agent—aka someone to represent your best interests every step of the way. Is that a problem? A buyer’s agent will help you navigate the process of buying a house, but do you need to hire one to actually tour the houses you’re interested in?
The short answer is that it’s not absolutely essential from the very start, but it’s a good idea to hook up with a buyer’s agent as soon as possible. A buyer’s agent’s job is to assist home buyers in all matters during the journey of buying a house, including finding the right property, negotiating the offer, and even dispensing advice if problems arise during escrow.
Do you need a buyer’s agent to view an open house?
While most real estate agents recommend you call and book with them ahead of time, they’re used to people coming to them with a list of houses they’re interested in and calling later to set up an appointment.
If you’re already working with an agent, you don’t have an obligation to call him or her up to tell them you have checked out a house, but it’s a good idea to do so.
If you have one on speed dial already, give him or her a call, to let them know you’ve found a place. They can start making inquiries. If you don’t, ask around—friends can typically recommend someone they trust who has helped them.
What happens if you view a home without a buyer’s agent?
There may be a listing agent on the premises, especially if it’s an open house. But experts say you should still seek out your own representation. If you attended the open house without a buyer’s agent, you might feel obligated to contact the listing agent, but it’s common practice for buyers to have their own agent representing them.
The name on the sign in front of the house you like represents the seller. They have taken an oath to represent that person’s best interests. They cannot lie to you, but they also aren’t necessarily able to ‘fight’ for you, because they can’t fight for the buyer and still represent the seller’s best interests.
The real estate market is based on cooperation between realtors. Buyer’s agents and seller’s agents work together, no matter what company or brokerage they work for.
Referances: Realtor.com, Jeanne Sager
Donald Horne, Broker / Owner
Team Success Listing LLC
teamsuccesslisting@gmail.com