What First Time Homebuyers Should Know About Seller's Agents

It is essential to understand the steps in home buying especially if this is the first time that you will purchase a new house. Buying a home usually involves working with a subagent otherwise known as the seller's agent or seller broker. These agents are the ones who act as the seller's representatives whenever closing a deal. As such, they are entitled to a commission in addition to rights and responsibilities towards the buyer.

Each state may have distinctive regulations when it comes to home buying. Similarly, the national law has certain prohibitions relative to it. As suggested by the author of the book "100 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask", home buyers must make an effort to read thoroughly all the documents such as agent's forms and disclosures before signing to fully understand the services being offered. There are several things that a seller's agent may or may not be allowed to do in your favor:

The seller's agent can provide you with detailed pricing lists of comparable homes in the area. These are often called 'comps' and are a compilation of similar homes in the neighborhood, listing information and their list prices. This information ensures that you are not offering, or being offered, an unreasonable price when it's time to negotiate.

The seller's agent cannot tell you which home to choose when you are still deciding. Even though it's the seller's agent's job to sell you the home they are commissioned to sell, they do not have a right to 'push' their home over another in question. If you like two homes and the broker is working with both sellers, they cannot persuade you to purchase one over the other; the decision is ultimately yours to make.

The seller's agent cannot discuss the home's defects or flaws. In purchasing a property, the seller broker has no right to mention anything that would have a bearing on your choice or decision. Any material flaws or defects can be discussed but you will still need to find out for yourself if the property is really the best option.

The best offer for the home cannot be hashed out in detail. Most first time homebuyers would normally ask for the actual price to be paid in getting the property. However, this information cannot be legally offered since the seller broker has duties to the seller and any such act can affect the partnership.

The seller's agent can ask list of referrals from you. Seller brokers have the right to request for referrals from you, and that includes your acquaintances, friends, and family members. Many of these seller brokers are independent business owners and it would be an act of goodwill to help them find new clients.

As a first time homebuyer working with a seller's agent, you can expect your home buying process easier and less stressful. But it is equally significant to conduct your own research about your desired property since it doesn't always mean agents are after your best interest and wellbeing. Finally, you can seek assistance from a Minnesota real estate agent to clearly understand home buying.