The fact is that not all Santa Cruz real estate agents are created equal. There are important differences you need to consider before choosing an agent to help you buy a home.
Here are some fictional beliefs people have about Santa Cruz real estate agents and the facts behind them.
1. Fiction: Any agent you contact about a property is now your buyer’s agent and is looking out for your best interests.
Fact: When you call the agent whose name is on the For Sale sign in the front yard of the home, you’re calling the seller’s agent. That agent is looking out for the home seller’s best interest, not yours. Hire a buyer’s agent and ask him or her to show you homes you’re interested in seeing.
2. Fiction: When you hire a buyer's agent, you have to pay their commission.
Fact: In most cases, the seller pays the commission for both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. In a typical listing agreement, the seller agrees to pay a set percentage of the sales price and this amount is divided between the two real estate agents involved in the sale.
3. Fiction: Santa Cruz real estate agents won’t show you a FSBO (for sale by owner).
Fact: If you find a FSBO you’d like to see, ask your agent to show it to you. Your agent will contact the property owner and negotiate commission and paperwork, such as “permission to show” or “one-time show” agreements. If the seller is unwilling to pay commission, you may decide you don’t want to see the home, or you can choose to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission. You then get the same service from your agent as if he or she was showing you a typical home for sale.
To get the home of your dreams at the best price and terms, hire a buyer’s agent to represent your interests. Knowing you have an expert on your side makes any real estate experience more pleasant and profitable.
Looking for a professional buyer’s agent? I’d be honored if you’d give me an opportunity to interview for the job. Call me today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an interview.
For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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