Buyers Don’t Pay Any Commission to Work with Me as Your Personal Buyer’s Agent

Why not let me make finding the right home easier, at no cost to you…

Many buyers think a Realtor’s primary job is to find them a home. However, sometimes that’s the easiest part of the process. As an experienced Columbus Ohio buyer’s agent, I provide valuable information, details and advice throughout the home buying and building process.

Many times I’ve selected the home my client ended up purchasing, because I truly listen to understand what they’re looking for. Homes often do not live up to photographs or description, so as buyers search through thousands of homes online, they may overlook their ideal home, in favor of others that seem more appealing. I simplify the process because I ask the right questions, listen to understand your needs and use my expert knowledge of the market to recommend the homes that best meet your needs.

I help educate you about which homes are likely to bring the best return on your investment. While I cannot guarantee the future of Columbus Ohio real estate, I can share insight based upon my years of experience.

Buying or building a new home in Columbus Ohio is one of the most important purchases in your life and can greatly affect your financial success. Why risk an unsuccessful or costly transaction because you didn’t feel like calling a buyer’s agent to represent your best interests? Don’t take a chance on not having your own agent, when you can count on my years of experience and knowledge of the Columbus Ohio real estate market. Call me at 614-895-0496 and see how easy finding your ideal home can be. Or, start by signing up for my FREE Columbus Ohio Home Finder Service.

- Petra Hinterschied, ABR, Columbus Ohio Realtor
Accredited Buyer’s Agent Representative in Columbus Ohio

FIVE HOME BUYING MYTHS

Searching online and looking at real estate magazines…
Going to the seller’s Realtor…
Realtors and FSBO (For Sale By Owner) properties…
Using a Realtor when building a home…
Dealing with builder without a Realtor…

Myth #1. Can’t I find my own home by searching online and looking at real estate magazines?

Perhaps you could find a home through these methods. However, you’d be missing the latest listing information. 95% of Columbus Ohio Real Estate listings are never advertised anywhere but on the Columbus Ohio MLS - Realtor Multiple Listing Service. Many homes in magazines are in contract or even sold by the time they hit the shelf.

Online searches can be weeks behind so many listings may already be in contract or even sold! Online searches are not updated minute by minute like the Columbus Ohio MLS - Multiple Listing Service is, so you are not getting access to all of the listings that may meet your needs. Also, online searches offer limited information and search criteria. To make sure you don’t miss out on the hottest new listings, it is best you have a realtor searching for you daily.

Myth #2. If I go directly to the seller’s Realtor, won’t I get a better deal?

NO! It just means the listing agent will get both the selling and buyer’s agent commission. A buyer’s agent is paid through the “co-op” fee offered by the listing broker/agent. This fee, or commission, is stipulated in the listing agreement between the seller and the listing broker/agent, before the home is placed on the market. These fees are typically the same for the seller regardless of who sells the property so the seller has no motivation to give you a better price just because you go through the listing agent.

By Ohio law, when the listing agent represents both buyer and seller, they become a dual agent. In that case, the listing agent must remain neutral and cannot represent the best interests of the buyer. On the other hand, as an experienced buyer’s agent who cares about future business, I want to get the best possible deal for you. Why? Because, when you get ready to sell and buy a bigger home in 5 years, wouldn’t you call the agent who helped you get a great deal on your current home? Also, I hope you’ll refer your friends and family to me because you know I’ll do whatever it takes to get them a great deal too!

Myth #3. What about FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Property?

I can help with these too! I have represented buyers with Central Ohio FSBO properties with much success. Most FSBO’s are willing to co-op with a buyer’s agent because they realize most buyers are already working with a realtor. Since the seller won’t have professional representation, you definitely want someone with your best interests in mind, to ensure you don’t pay too much for your new home and that the entire process is handled ethically and legally. Keep in mind, only about 5% of all Central Ohio homes for sale are FSBOs. The majority of homes are listed with a realtor or real estate brokerage and will be found on the Columbus Ohio MLS - Realtor Multiple Listing Service. By working with me you’ll have the opportunity to compare both listings and FSBO’s to get the home that best meets your needs at the best possible price.

Myth #4. Why use a Realtor when building my home?

You need someone looking out for your best interests! Suppose you were the defendant in an upcoming court case. Would you want the Plaintiff’s attorney representing both sides? No! Remember, the builder has a dedicated sales representative whose job is to:

Make sure you only buy from them.
Sell the home for the highest possible price.
Sell you highly profitable extras for the home.
Protect the best interest of the builder.

Myth #5. I’ll get a better deal if I go to the builder without a Realtor.

Most reputable homebuilders in Columbus Ohio are “One Price” builders. This means that the price of the home is the same whether you have a realtor represent you or not. Builders set aside a portion of their marketing budget to encourage realtors to bring their clients, and this does not affect the cost of the home. As a matter of fact, builders expect, desire and encourage realtor participation because we bring them a large percentage of their business. You do not get a discount off the price of the home for not having a realtor represent you.

Petra Hinterschied - Re/Max Connection Realtors

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