When you are out shopping for a house, you might see one you love for sale while driving through a nice neighborhood in your area. When you see a house like this, you will see a for-sale sign with the name of the listing agent on it in the front yard of the house. The question you might have is whether you should contact this agent or choose a different one, and here are a few things to know about this.
The Differences to Understand Between the Two Types of Agents
To make this decision, you should begin by learning about the differences between a listing agent and a buyer's agent. First off, a listing agent is the agent who the homeowner hires for help selling the house. This agent takes pictures of the house, writes a description about it, and markets it. All viewing requests go through this agent, and this is the agent that assists the seller when there are negotiations to handle with an offer. This agent represents the seller of the house and always looks out for the best interests of the seller.
The opposite is the buyer's agent, which is the agent that represents the person who is buying the house. This agent looks out for the buyer's best interests and helps the buyer negotiate and handle all issues with the deal.
The Benefits of Using the Listing Agent
The listing agent is likely the agent that knows the most about the house. By using this agent, you can get your questions answered quickly and possibly learn more about the house. Additionally, you can eliminate an entire party by choosing to use the listing agent. With fewer parties involved, you might be able to reach an agreement faster and close on the deal faster.
The Drawbacks of Using the Listing Agent
There are also drawbacks to be aware of when using the listing agent. The main drawback is that you will not have a person representing you in the deal. The listing agent really works for the seller of the house, which means you might not be aware of red flags in the deal simply because you would not have an agent working for your best interests.
It is often better to have a separate agent to help you buy a house, but it is up to you. If you have any questions about homes for sale or hiring an agent, contact a real estate agency today.
