This is episode is a "must-listen" for anyone looking to purchase their first home.  I dive into the top reasons why it's critical to work with a great buyer's agent when looking to buy a home, especially if you are a first-time home buyer. 

The reason this topic is important is because a great buyer's agent brings a ton of value -- from the search process to negotiations to closing -- while costing the buyers nothing!  That's right -- buyer's agents get paid by the seller (from the total commission split between the seller's and buyer's agents). 

So why don't more prospective home buyers start their search by first finding and forming a relationship with a professional, reputable, top-notch real estate agent to represent their best interests?  Because we live in a world of instant gratification: we can order (almost) anything we want with one click, stream endless entertainment without getting off the couch, and browse limitless properies on Zillow.  And there is nothing wrong with Zillow.  It's a great, free resource.  But when it comes getting serious about your search, don't revert to the "easy" option of just calling the listing agent for a particular home listed on Zillow.  Instead, start by finding a great agent to be on your side and help you with every step of the way. 

The home-buying process is a long and complicated one, full of various hurdles (both expected and unforeseen).  A great agent on your side can guide you skillfully from narrowing down your search to helping you make offers and negotiating a deal to managing every step of the escrow process to get you to your ultimate goal -- keys to your next (or first) home.

Reasons to Use a Buyer's Agent:

1.  It's free (to you as the buyer)! 
2.  Local market expert on your side - Some information is only available to licensed agents
3.  A guide through the (often complex) home buying transaction
4.  You get a team - A great agent can recommend trusted professionals for every step of the transaction
Bonus #5.  You get a calm, experienced advisor through an often emotionally charged and drawn out process

How to Find One?

- Get recommendations from people you know.  Use your social networks.
- Bigger Pockets agent search (https://www.biggerpockets.com/agent/match)
- Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn
- Interview agents so you make sure you have the best fit to align with your needs, goals, and objectives 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review.  It would really help me spread the word and reach more people interested in home ownership and real estate investing, especially those in the NYC Metro Area.

Thanks so much for listening!

Yours truly,
Max Vishnev
Host & podcast creator

Full-time NJ Realtor with Compass RE | Long-time NYC renter turned NJ house-hacker & landlord | Catskills property owner | Happy husband | Proud father of two | Avid reader & coffee drinker | Lifelong learner

Check out my real estate articles on BiggerPockets

Let's connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube  

Intro and Outro music (excerpted) copyright:
Feelin Good by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3744-feelin-good
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/