Working With A Buyer’s Agent In FSBO

Homeowners selling their residential property by themselves usually encounter different types of people during the process of their home sale. If it’s not the real potential buyer that they have to deal with, it’s normally the buyer’s agent. Home buyers hire an agent when they lack the time and skill to do the negotiation process and the entire transaction or if they want to make sure that they’re getting the best deal.

A buyer’s agent in the U.S. is any licensed real estate agent or broker who represents the buyer. He or she may either be a member of the National Association of Exclusive (NAE) Buyer Agents who represent only the buyers and don’t handle listings or a member of the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC) which is associated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Agents from REBAC have the option to choose to become exclusive buyer agents or an agent of both buyers and sellers.

In selling your home yourself, do learn about the functions of a buyer’s agent too. Real estate buyer agents work on commission and are paid by the seller after the transaction has been completed. Home sellers normally pay between five and eight percent of the sales price. However, when more expensive homes are involved, sellers can negotiate for a lower commission rate. In addition, the buyer in his purchase offer can ask the seller to pay all or part of the agent’s commission or fee although the seller is not obligated to do so. Proper negotiation, therefore, is of utmost importance when working with a buyer’s agent.

Home sellers should also know that an agent who represents exclusively the buyer works for the best interest of his client and is more motivated. Agents should also be good listeners and must be able to solve conflicts that may arise during the transaction.