Helena Talbot’s blog - Do You Need A Realtor A Buyers Agent Or Both

Buying a new home is exciting.  But it is not something that you do every day.  So  learning everything there is to know is difficult if not impossible.  The good news is - you don't have to.  All you need to do is to hire a realtor.  Sounds easy enough.  But wait . . . there are a few things you will need to know before you hire a realtor to help you through the buying process.  

Here is what you need to know about hiring a realtor.  Do you need a realtor,  a buyer's agent  or both?

Not all real estate agents work only for their buyers.   For example:  say you meet a realtor and allow them to show you a few houses and during that time you have given the realtor your price limit and other information about your situation.  You then make an offer on a home  that is $10,000 less than the asking price.  The seller asks your realtor how much they think you are willing to spend.  What do you think that realtor will tell the seller?  

Well, you probably think that "your" realtor will not tell the seller anything because they are your realtor and they are supposed to be in your court right?  Wrong!  Unless, you have signed a Buyers Agreement with your realtor.  If you don't then your realtor is most likely acting as a sub agent to the listing broker who represents the seller.  

A sub listing agent is obligated to the seller to disclose any information that you have given them.  That means they are obligated to give the seller any information they feel might help them get the sale.  So if you make an offer that is lower than what the seller is asking and you have already told your realtor that you have more money and that you would be willing to make a higher offer if necessary; then your realtor is obligated to give that information to the seller.  So  more than likely your offer will not be accepted and you will end up having to make a higher offer if you want that home.  

The bottom line is - if you hire a realtor to represent you - you must get a signed Buyers Agreement.  Otherwise, you may end up paying more than you should have for your new home.   A Buyers Agreement is also an agreement between you and your realtor  that you will not work with any other agent for a designated period of time.  Usually 90 days.  Additionally, this ensures your realtor that you will not buy from anyone else including an FSBO (for sale by owner). 

A good rule of thumb is to never say anything to anyone unless you would be willing to have that information repeated to the seller.  Discretion is always a good policy.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker- Licensed in Virginia. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.