Buyer Agent Services

Sure, you can search for a home by yourself. But with an experienced Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Sales Associate on your side, finding the perfect home is easier, faster and a lot more fun. A good Realtor^® can show you more suitable properties, offer valuable advice, coach you through the entire negotiating and home buying process, and save you valuable time. Yet many buyers still spend endless hours pouring through classified ads, driving all over town, and viewing dozens of unsuitable properties simply because they haven't connected with a Realtor^®.

Some people believe that if they have several agents looking for homes on their behalf, they'll find a house more quickly. like most relationships, the buyer-agent relationship thrives on communication, loyalty and trust. By working exclusively with one agent, you'll improve both the process and the results.

Finding The Right Sales Associate For You

Chemistry is important. So are credentials. Above all, you'll want an experienced agent who has the resources of a leading real estate firm behind him or her — a firm such as Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Some helpful hints on finding and working with a Realtor^®:

• Ask friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers for referrals.
• Trust your intuition.
• Share with your Sales Associate as much as possible about your lifestyle, tastes, needs and dreams for your home.
• Focus your search on a few geographic areas.

Plus ask him or her some of the following questions:

How well do you know the area(s) that interest me?
An agent who is knowledgeable and thoroughly familiar with the area or neighborhood you are interested in is extremely beneficial to you.

How much time do you dedicate to me?
You want an agent who will give you personalized attention, answer your calls quickly and communicate with you often. Keep in mind, though, many busy, experienced agents are the most efficient.

What is your service pledge to me?
You want to know that your agent is skilled in negotiating, drafting real estate agreements and will act in your best interest all of the time. Get in contact with one of our Buyer Agents.

Representation

What is a real estate "agency"?
Understanding agency relationships is an important part of buying or selling a home. By definition, an "agent" is someone who represents the interests of another person or entity. Real estate agents (and the brokers who hold their licenses) may represent a home seller or buyer — or both, or neither. As confusing as that may seem, it is your right to understand who is representing you in a real estate transaction.

Laws governing agency relationships differ from state to state; agency policies differ among real estate companies. Here are some basics:

• When a real estate agent/broker represents a buyer or seller, that consumer is considered a client to whom "fiduciary duties" are owed. These duties can include confidentiality, obedience, fidelity, loyalty, accounting and reasonable skill and care.
• When a real estate agent/broker does not represent a buyer or seller, that consumer is considered a customer. Though customers and real estate agents do not have a fiduciary relationship, the real estate professional has an obligation of honesty to all parties with whom s/he comes in contact.

In many states, real estate brokers may choose what types of agency they will practice. The options include:

Single agency — representing either the buyer or the seller. Single agents must:

• Be loyal and act in your best interest
• Obey your lawful instructions
• Protect your confidences
• Exercise reasonable skill and diligence when answering your questions
• Be accountable for handling funds and paperwork
• Present all offers in a timely fashion
• Execute other duties as outlined in your listing agreement or buyer's agency contract

Dual agency — representing both buyer and seller, with disclosure to both parties. Among other tasks, dual agents must:

• Treat all parties to the transaction fairly
• Disclose any material defects in the property
• Facilitate the sale of the property following contract acceptance

In Michigan, a real estate agent is required by law to disclose the party (seller or buyer) in whose interest s/he is working. Such disclosure is made in writing, via an "Agency Disclosure Form". The agency relationship is established and controlled by a "Buyer Agency Agreement."

We encourage you to discuss this topic with the real estate professionals you elect to interview, to better understand your rights and the real estate professional's responsibilities.

Does Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel represent buyers?
Absolutely! Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel provides expert representation to buyers (or tenants) and sellers (or landlords). In some circumstances, we may also offer "disclosed dual agency," representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction.

Do I need a buyer's agent if I'm purchasing a home?
We believe that all parties to a real estate transaction should avail themselves of professional representation. It's informative, it promotes your best interests... and as a buyer, it usually does not involve out-of-pocket costs.

What will a Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel buyer's agent do for me?

A Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel buyer's agent can:

• Work on your behalf to find your new home, first expanding your choices, then helping you narrow the field
• Consult with you and share their expertise on the market expertise, features that affect the livability of the home and its resale value.
• Research "comparable" properties (sold, listed and expired from the market) to determine a fair price and terms
• Prepare your Purchase Agreement and accompanying legal documents
• Negotiate the price, terms and conditions that are agreeable to you
• Accompany you and any inspectors you engage as the property is examined
• Follow up with your mortgage lender, the title company, the seller's agent and others until the house is yours.

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