Years ago, every Realtor was working for the seller.  The buyer was left to fend for themselves.  The system has evolved over the years and now the majority of the real estate transactions we see involve two agents in what is called a co-op transaction.  Our Welcome Message has links to the Agency Disclosure Pamphlet and the Buyer’s Advisory Brochure.

Now that we have Buyer’s Agency and buyer representation it is logical to hire a Realtor to work for you.  The Realtor commits to you that they are working for you and offers a package of services to you.  You commit to the Realtor that you are working with them.  You never have a question of who to call while searching for property.  You become an “A List” client.  The Realtor is going to make arrangements to make you a priority.

The “Buyer Service Contract” or “Buyer/Broker Agreement” clarifies expectations.  There are certain things a Realtor cannot do by law.  This includes, but is not limited to giving legal and tax advice, verifying code or building requirements, and hiring contractors and inspectors on the buyer’s behalf.  Realtors can help point you in the right direction but it is information you need to hear first hand.

In addition, when we sign a contract with a buyer, we also sign our Quality Service Guarantee.  This is not signed by the buyer but given to the buyer to underscore our commitment.  The Quality Service Certification program is run by a third-party company that tracks our follow-through.

If you are committed to buying real estate, contracting a Realtor to work with you only makes sense.  In almost cases, the seller has an agreement to pay commission.  Unless there are unusual cirumcstance, there is NO COST to you throughout the real estate transactions for buyer services.