Get a helping hand to find your next home
It's not just the rich and famous who are turning to buying agents to save the hassle and time of finding the right property.
These days whatever your price range, there is a buying agent who will find your exact requirements, then shortlist homes on the market and finally bargain down the price to ensure that more covers their fee.
Although using a buying agent makes you feel like a millionaire, it is no longer just the super-wealthy who can afford good homes and want to move house, but don't have time to scour the website or view a property at short notice in a busy market.
William Harries of The Buying Solution explains:
We meet at the client's home with their partner or family. Clients will be more relaxed there, may have more time than at work, and we can see their stylistic preferences in their own home which in turn helps us find the right property.
Within 10 days of meeting a buying agent a shortlist of appropriate properties will be presented, setting out asking price and sellers' circumstances - for example, an owner needing a quick move may accept a lower price while another may need the maximum because the sale is part of a costly divorce.
But finding the home is only have the job, a buying agent will also negotiate its purchase or rental price, assist with moving you in as well as looking after the management of the property.
These days buying agents are highly specialised, and one is available for almost every conceivable group of buyers, offering advice and assistance along the way and at every step.
Buying agents say 50% of properties their clients buy never appear in the open market. Instead, the buying agents use their contacts to sniff out homes about to go on sale before advertisements are placed and brochures are printed - giving you that head start.
As featured in London Property News, May 2007
Comments
My first experience with buying a home was with a buyer's agent. I took it for granted this was the way. I was sent listings that matched my criteria nightly through emails, and the searched rapidly narrowed to the best choice. It is so much better than hit or miss.
Posted by: Malliobiana | May 28, 2008 02:11 PM