“With Zillow and all of the portals out there, why would I need a Buyer's Agent?”

At least that’s what academics, internet jockeys, and reporters are saying as a result of the recent NAR lawsuit ruling over commissions.

“I can see a house that’s for sale, including its price history. I don’t need a Buyer's Agent.”

Or do you?

A good Buyer's Agent makes a bottom-line impact on your home search, and may find you beating out other Buyers or buying a home you were not even aware was available to purchase.

Let’s take my service as an example:

• BUYERS: I represent pay on average 91.5% of the asking price for the home they buy.

• SELLERS: I represent sell for an average of 96.5% of their asking price.

That’s a 5% difference depending on whether you’re a Buyer or a Seller. ‘Nuff said!

Contrary to pundits who think Buyer’s Agents are glorified key openers, the benefits of working with a Buyer's Agent are many, including:

1. Expert Guidance

   Buyer's Agents provide expertise and guidance throughout the home buying process, helping Buyers navigate the complexities of real estate transactions. Which areas or communities would meet my needs? And what's the whole HOA thing about?

   Buying a home is buying a lifestyle – not just the house but the neighborhood in which it exists, area amenities, schools and on and on. A good Buyer's Agent is your advocate and boots on the ground.

2. Market Knowledge

   They have a deep understanding of the local real estate market, including current trends, property values, and neighborhoods, allowing them to provide valuable insights to Buyers.

   This is key: it’s not knowing what’s for sale that matters. It’s what we KNOW ABOUT what’s for sale that adds value. What’s the Seller's circumstance, builder info, scuttlebutt on HOA matters or going on in the vacant land in the rear? What was the construction code when built? How do I navigate insurance? And on and on.

3. Access to Listings

   Buyer's Agents have access to a wide range of listings, including properties listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), new builds and communities – ‘’off-market’ homes and FSBOs not publicly advertised, ensuring you have access to all available options.

   I have personally brokered off-market deals for 20+ years to Buyers who would NEVER have known the homes they bought were available. A Buyer Agent’s relationships with colleagues, trusted vendors in insurance, construction and property management -- and knowledge from length of tenure in the area offer invaluable benefits to Buyers to the closing table and beyond.

4. Negotiation Skills

   It is not just pricing. Negotiation begins, here in Florida, with a choice contract on which to paper your offer – pros and cons of each, reverse engineering your offer knowing Seller circumstances to get to a yes and box out any other interested parties.

   And with the new rules that enable a Seller to pay your Buyer broker fee theirself, an ace negotiator can often negotiate payment of their fee from the Seller – taking a potentially large ticket expense off your side of the transaction. And: let’s talk inspections – there are lots of mini negotiations from contract to closing – a good negotiator can navigate the unexpected to your favor and keep your deal on track.

5. Coordination of Process and Contract Management

   Buyer's Agents coordinate the various aspects of the home buying process, including scheduling property viewings, arranging inspections, and facilitating communication between all parties involved.

   There are a myriad of steps from the initial consultation with you to the closing table. A good Buyer's Agent takes complex processes and handles with ease, always as your advocate.

Overall, Buyer's Agents play a crucial role in representing the interests of Buyers throughout the home buying process, providing valuable guidance, expertise, and support every step of the way.

A good Buyer’s Agent makes a material difference in your home search and bottom line.

Are you making any changes in how your home search will be conducted as a result of this NAR settlement? We'd love to guide you through your home search!