A Message for buyers of homes and other real estate in Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka, Troy and Lake Martin Alabama.
The Buyer’s Agent of Montgomery, Inc. is a brokerage firm that specializes in representing homebuyers only. We never represent sellers so we don’t get involved in situations where we might have a conflict of interest. For example, if you’re working with the listing agent who represents the seller of the house you want to buy you will have to tell that agent how much you are qualified for by the mortgage company. And other personal information such as whether you’re operating on a tight schedule. This kind of confidential information can affect you negotiating strategy.
If you’re working with an agent who works for the same company as the listing agent of the house you’re interested in then you need to be concerned about those agents having access to the same files and overhearing phone conversations. Even if you sign a “buyer’s agency agreement” with an agent of another company who represents sellers one day and buyers the next you’ll be asked to sign a contract that contains a “dual agency” clause. That means that if you find a house that you like that is listed with your agent’s company you must agree in advance for “your” agent to “become” a dual agent, representing you and the seller at the same time.
To quote from HUD’s Home Buyers Booklet “Although these agents and brokers provide helpful advice, they may legally be representing the interests of the seller and not yours. If you want someone to represent only your interest, consider hiring an ‘exclusive buyer’s agent’, who will be working for you”.
At The Buyer’s Agent of Montgomery, Inc. we represent buyers only, 100% of the time, never sellers. We are dedicated to saving you money, making sure you don’t get a lemon, and protecting your financial interests as a homebuyer. To fulfill these commitments to you we agree to provide you with the following package of services.
Consulting With You:
We will listen to you about the type of neighborhood and house that will best suit your needs and desires. We will not show you houses that are not in the neighborhoods you like and that are not in your price range. We will assist you in getting pre-qualified for financing in order to enhance your bargaining position. We will act as your fiduciary, safeguarding your confidential information and acting at all times in your best interest.
Searching The Market:
We will locate all properties, not just those listed with a particular company, currently for sale that meet you requirements including MLS listings, FSBO’s, builder owned, and properties foreclosed by banks and government agencies. We will show you the houses you think might work for you without trying to sell you a particular one. We will provide you with any information about a neighborhood or a house that we think would be material to your decision.
Evaluating The Property:
When you find a house, or several houses, that might work for you we will provide you with recent comparable sales and historical information to assist you in making a decision. When you are ready to make an offer we will advise you on an opening offer and a negotiating strategy.
Negotiating The Transaction:
We well prepare, with your approval, a purchase offer written with your interests in mind, not those of the seller. We will assist you in responding to and making counter offers. We will advocate your position exclusively throughout the process, with the goal of coming to a contract that you will be happy with and that will be in your best interests.
Manage The Details:
We will provide you with market information on mortgage rates, insurance premiums, attorney’s fees, title insurance, surveys, pest inspections, repairs and any other required settlement services. We will monitor the contingencies in the contract such as financing, inspections, and repairs to be sure they get done on time and at the lowest cost. We will review the Settlement Statement before closing if possible and at closing to be sure in is in agreement with the contract.