Buyer Representation (a.k.a. Free Help!)
Massachusetts Buyer Agency
Fiduciary is a fancy way of saying a legal obligation to act as a loyal and honest confidant and representative for the benefit and interests of another party. When you list your home for sale you essentially “hire” or enter into a fiduciary relationship with a seller agent. This is normally accomplished when all parties sign an MA Exclusive Right to Sell agreement which clearly outlines the terms and expectations of the relationship and transaction.
Seller agency used to be the only agency relationship out there and buyers were left to research, coordinate, negotiate and represent themselves. That all changed in the mid 90s when Massachusetts enacted similar laws to protect the interests of home buyers as well.
Professional buyer representation is a benefit to everyone and provides maximum accountability. The MA Exclusive Buyer Agency agreement legally obligates the buyer agent to act in your best interests (that fiduciary thing) and clearly spells out what you can expect from us as well as what we can expect from you. It is this sort of relationship that makes the difference in every aspect of the transaction and ensures you will always have fair and complete representation.
The next time you stop by an open house or call to schedule a showing from Realtor.com, remember that the agent is representing the seller and has a responsibility to obtain the best possible price and terms for that seller.
HIRE US to represent you as buyer agents and check out the chart below for a sampling of what you will get at NO COST TO YOU! That’s right…did we mention that the fee for buyer agency is paid for by the seller?
Services/duties provided by Buyer Agent
| Represent you on properties listed on the MLS as well as bank-owned, auctions, FSBOs, new construction, etc. |
| Make recommendations & assist you in the process of securing appropriate financing. |
| Arrange & conduct property showings with you &/or preview properties on your behalf. |
| Fully explain & review all forms, agreements & legal documents with you. |
| Conduct & disclose all research about property history, liens & other possible issues to help you form an appropriate budget. |
| Prepare a comparative market analysis to identify comparable sales & determine the current market value of the property. |
| Advise you on the way to structure an appropriate offer for the best price & terms. |
| Present & negotiate the offer on your behalf while always keeping your best interests in mind. |
| Keep your financial situation completely confidential unless you say it’s OK to disclose. |
| Provide you with a list of reliable allied resources for possible use (home inspectors, attorneys, mortgage lenders, landscapers, etc.). |
| Monitor & assist in final preparation & coordination of your closing. (Post-closing toasts furnished upon request!) |
| Promote & protect your interests at all times EVEN if it means pointing out reasons not to buy! |
Hi, I'm Jake...and that's my dog. By day I'm Executive Director of Business Development at Barrett & Company Real Estate. By night I am part geek, struggling musician and frustrated writer. I started this blog mainly to learn WordPress, work on my design and writing skills, and showcase some folks with all kinds of talents and great stuff to say. (Read the long version if you dare) and please introduce yourself over on my Google+ Profile!
