Find Your Dream Home

The Buyer’s Agent

While many buyers may feel it is not necessary to contract the services of a real estate agent, that may not be the wisest position to take. They feel that the listing agent will represent them fairly during the buying process. However, what many buyers do not know is that the listing agent, or Seller’s Agent, works solely on behalf of, and in the best interest of the home seller. Therefore, ANY and Everything you tell that Sellers Agent will be shared with the Seller, thus compromising you ability to negotiate a deal with your best interest in mind.

In Georgia, buyers can sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement and establish a ‘client’ relationship whereby the Buyer’s Agent works solely on behalf of the buyer. The buyer’s agent will assist their client in the negotiation of the terms of a contract as well as gather information on zoning issues, past tax data, and any other information deemed necessary by the buyer before making the decision to extend an offer on a home.

Many prospective home buyers have the misconception that once they begin working with an agent, he/she represents the buyer. However, this is not always the case. Unless there is a signed Buyer’s Agency Agreement, the agent that is working with the buyer still represents the seller’s interests in the transaction.

Without the agreement, there is certain information that the agent cannot disclose to the prospective buyer:

  1. The reason that the owner is selling the property.
  2. Any concessions that the seller is willing to negotiate.
  3. Any conversations between the seller and the agent.
  4. Any disclosed information that would harm the seller and/or give the buyer an advantage in the contract negotiations.

Normally, any commissions paid to agents in a sales transaction are usually paid at closing by the seller