As you search for your Atlanta home, it is important that you understand my role as a Buyer's Agent. In Atlanta, a Buyer's Agent is exactly what it states - a real estate agent who represents only the Buyer. Georgia laws have changed over the last several years. Buyer Agency has been introduced in order to better safeguard buyers' interests. In the old days, one agent often represented both the seller and the buyer in a transaction. This is known as Dual Agency and still exists, but is much less common.
How Buyer's Agency works
I work exclusively as your personal representative as you explore Atlanta houses, Atlanta condos or Atlanta new construction. As your Atlanta Buyer's Agent, my focus is to get you the best possible deal. I can save you thousands of dollars. My job is to negotiate the best price and most favorable terms for YOU. Any information that you share about your circumstances is kept strictly confidential. Your position in the negotiating process is never discussed with anyone but you! You have my undivided loyalty and I negotiate strictly on your behalf. Being on "your side" as your Buyer's Agent means not only informing you of positives, but also identifying the negatives of any property or transaction. My job is to help you make a FULLY INFORMED decision and to help you make the best choices for you by avoiding any potential pitfalls.
Who Pays your Buyer's Agent?
One very important fact to remember about acting as your personal agent in Atlanta is that I am generally paid by the Seller. Every transaction has two "halves" - the seller's side and the buyer's side. Through the Listing Agent's listing contract with the seller or builder, the commissions are pre-negotiated to be "split" between the "Listing Agent" (seller's agent) and your "Buyer's Agent". In effect, the Seller pays for my exclusive service to you as your Atlanta Realtor. This has nothing to do with the sales price. Don't be misled into thinking you can get a better price if you don't have your own agent. All too often, especially with new construction, Buyers think that they will get a lower price by dealing directly with the seller or a builder. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, in many cases, the Buyer can end up paying a higher price by not having their own Buyer's Agent to represent them.
Our Role in New Construction
As an Atlanta Buyer's Agent, I play one of my most important roles - representing families who are purchasing new construction. Many Buyers do not understand that the on-site agent at a new home model is acting as the Seller's agent and acts solely on behalf of the builder. They do NOT represent you. Their loyalty is to the Builder only. They must act honestly but their responsibility is to get the best deal for the Builder. Not only are you, the Buyer, entitled to have your own agent, you should absolutely have your own Atlanta Realtor looking out for your interests - just as the Builder has a representative acting on their behalf. Remember, we are paid by the Builder so my services cost you nothing. Many builders will try to "Lock You In" to using only their agent by having you "Register" when you visit their sales office. By registering, you may be giving up your RIGHTS to a "Buyer's Agent" and any professional representation on any purchase. DON'T DO IT! Do not sign anything in the builder's office or even give them your last name (as they may attempt to register for you), unless your "Buyer's Agent" is actually present with you.
As Your Atlanta Buyer's Agent
"My job is to negotiate the best price and most favorable terms for YOU. Any information that you share about your circumstances is kept strictly confidential. Your position in the negotiating process is never discussed with anyone but you! You have my undivided loyalty!"
As a professional in the business, it is not my intention to simply pull lists of homes or tour a few properties, but rather to build a long term relationship with my clients. This relationship includes assistance with all aspects of real estate transactions from identifying quality properties, meeting and showing homes while pointing out all the NEGATIVE as well as positive aspects of each home, negotiating satisfactory terms in a purchase, support in locating the reputable lenders, inspectors, closing attorneys and other vendors necessary in completing any specific purchase and finally assuring all is taken care of by accompanying the buyer to closing.
We're a Team!
There are many, many facets and responsibilities in a real estate transaction and every transaction is different. The AtlantaPros Team brings intelligence, honesty, knowledge and all the tools of technology to the table when our professional assistance is requested. Because of the substantial amount of time and effort that goes into thorough representation of our buyer clients, we must limit the number of buyers that we personally work with at any one time. For that reason, please contact us and based on your situation and our current schedule, we will either take you under our wing or have one of our adept associates take care of you for us. Either way, when working with a Realtor, we ask that you understand the highest level of service can only be provided with your cooperative effort. Share information openly & honestly and your agent will be able to take care of your needs.
With team attitude and team effort - we will help you find your dream home!
