Reasons to hire a buyer's agent

Commissions are paid by the seller. It is critical in a real estate transaction to be represented and have a highly skilled professional looking out for your best interests throughout the entire process. This will be more than likely the biggest financial decision you will ever make and it's very important to work with someone you trust. Google your agent. Read testimonials. Ask for references.

It's very important to work with someone who is local and is knowledgable in the desired area you would like to buy into. Whether it's shopping, transit, schools, crime, demographics, amenities, entertainment, parks or other factors, the agent should have the info you need or else can quickly find out.

Having an agent that knows the ins and outs of contracts is very important. It protects you as the buyer and also will save you huge amounts of time and money. This also leads to writing highly competitive offers. The Buyers Agent can prepare a subject free offer, while greatly minimizing the risk to the buyer. Another significant benefit you will have is a Buyers Agent knows how to negotiate and understands the local market. 

A Buyers Agent will never let you overpay for a property. If for example, a property in the same building sold for 50k less compared to the one you are viewing, the agent should be able to tell you if the other property was renovated, how many days on the market and concrete reasons for a lower price point.

The average dollar per square foot, days on market, supply, demand, avg sale price, etc. can all be provided to prospective buyers. Of course, this information is subject to change even within a few days or weeks.  

Ensuring that all properties that are available are shown to the prospective buyer in a timely manner. Whether that be through private showings or open houses, all schedules will be taken care of by the Buyers Agent. 

You may be viewing a property with a tenant residing there and possibly even buying a property and inheriting the current tenant. An experienced agent will be able to help you with every aspect of renting out your investment property. Not to mention, a Buyers Agent can recommend a current market rental rate, which could be a significant factor.

A Buyers Agent‘s most underrated task is that they will read and review all pertinent info about the subject property when you find a home worth making an offer on. If it's a strata property, all minutes, the engineer's report, depreciation report, AGM's, SGM's and other documents will be read thoroughly by the Realtor. If necessary, the agent can recommend the buyer to seek independent legal advice. As well, the Buyers Agent will complete all necessary paperwork when buying a home, aside from the contract. 

A Real Estate Agent will still come in handy for questions once you move in. Anything from dealing with strata, security alarm, renovations, utilities, landscaping, tenants, damage and more is handled by a Buyer's Agent.