What is a Buyer Agent? Why Are They Free?
It is not only safer to use a Buyer Agent, but it is FREE.

Relationships between Real Estate Agents and the Buyer and Seller can sometimes be difficult to
understand. Who is on my side? To which agent can I disclose my motivations? Which agent will
negotiate on my behalf? What is the difference between a Buyer Agent and a Listing or Sellers Agent?

It is very important that the consumer have a full understanding of the duties and responsibilities
of the agent, and to whom the agent owes loyalty.

How much extra does it cost to use a Buyer's Agent?  Most of the time nothing.
The most common way a Buyer Agent is paid is the same way other real estate agents are paid: the
typical commission paid at closing is usually divided between the listing agent and the agent of the Buyer.

Let me say it again: Not only is it safer to work with a Buyer Agent, but it is FREE to you.
The agent that has that home listed has a duty to the SELLER.  That agent's #1 priority is to get THAT
home sold, at the best possible price and terms for the SELLER.  A BUYER AGENT'S  priority is to help you
buy ANY home, at the best price and terms for you the BUYER.  It's a key difference.

For example: There is a problem with the home inspection; the home inspector reports that the furnace
needs to be replaced.  What do you think the Seller's Agent will do?  Negotiate the best deal for the Buyer,
or for the Seller? 

An analogy that applies here is: Would you hire the same attorney to represent both sides in a lawsuit?  
Of course not. This is called DUAL AGENCY

Duties of an agent

Before working with a real estate agent, you should know that the duties of the agent depend on whom the he/she
represents. If you are a buyer, you should know that the agent who lists the property for sale is the Sellers agent
and represents only the Seller. The agents job is to get the SELLER the highest price and the best terms.

A buyer can choose to work with the agent helping them buy a home in 3 different scenarios, as a customer, client 
buyer agency or dual agency. 

Choosing to be a customer. In this scenario the agent works for the Seller & enters into a customer agreement which 
forms a customer relationship between the buyer & the agent. The agent cannot advise the buyer, but treat them fair, 
honestly, must not misrepresent anything & take care in answering questions.
Or the buyer can choose to enter into a client relationship where the agent represents the buyer, the agent
becomes the buyer's agent by entering into an agreement to represent the buyer, usually through a written buyer
representation, commonly referred to as a buyer's agency agreement. The Buyer agent is legally obligated to try to get
the best terms and conditions possible for the Buyer providing valuable information on sold prices for similar homes that
were sold. Follow up on the transaction details until it is closed including being present during the home inspection

• Remember: The Listing agent has legal obligations to work for the Seller. They must try to get the best terms
  and conditions possible for the Seller. They must tell the Seller everything they learn from you that can put the
  Seller in a better position. The Buyer agent has the opposite obligations. He/She works for the Buyer.

There are other situations in which the agent doesn't represent either the Seller or the Buyer, or represent them in a very
limited way.  Again, this is either called Dual Agency. This situation most commonly happens when a Buyer calls the Seller's
Agent about a home that that Agent has for sale, and then buys it.  An agent can never fully represent both the Buyer and
the Seller in a transaction as their agent at the same time.

Do Buyer Agents have access to all properties?

Some people might be concerned that the Buyer agent won't have access to all properties for sale. It is normally quite the
opposite. Almost all agents have access to the same computerized information, normally called the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
A  good Buyer Agent, opposite to a Listing Agent, can also help you buy "For Sale by Owner homes" or New Homes from a builder.
When you choose a Buyer Agent, make sure that he/she has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the areas you are
interested in.  And remember, a Buyer Agent can help you buy ANY home for sale, no matter if it is listed with a real estate
company or not.

A good Buyer Agent will help you locate good regional resources that you will need as a part of your home purchase such as
Lawyer, Lender, Home Inspector, Insurance Agent and others.

If you're thinking about buying soon, make no mistake, if you want your best interests as a home buyer represented professionally
and exclusively... YOU WANT A BUYER'S AGENT! Don’t forget these services are at no cost to You.

Real Estate isn't just about buying and selling homes. Real Estate is a business that helps people achieve their hopes and dreams
in finding a place to call home. Please call me today & by providing expert professional service and advice, I will show you that your
best interests are my primary concern and we will make your moving experience a positive and memorable one!
Sincerely,
Jim Stanton, Broker

Sutton Group Classic Realty Inc. Brokerage
Direct Line 905-409-9967 or 1-888-727-1151
pager 905-434-2022 or 1-866-731-1151