How to choose a Buyers Advocate?

Buying a property can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. With so many options available in the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed and make a wrong decision. This is where the role of a buyer's advocate comes into play. A buyer's advocate is a professional who works exclusively for the buyer to help them find the right property and negotiate the best price. However, with so many buyer's advocates out there, how do you choose the right one? In this blog, we will explore some tips on how to choose the right buyer's advocate for your needs.

1. Look for Licence, Experience and Credentials

The first thing you should look for in a buyer's advocate is their licence and registration. Ensure your buyer's advocate is a licenced real estate buyer's advocate. Next, check their experience and credentials. The more experience they have, the better equipped they will be to handle any challenges that may arise during the buying process. As a minimum, you will need one with at least 5-7 years of experience, to ensure they have the breadth and depth to help you find what you need, and to help you navigate issues in your purchase. Look for an advocate who has a track record of successfully helping buyers find their dream homes. Additionally, check if they have any industry credentials or certifications that demonstrate their expertise in the field.

2. Check for local knowledge

Buying a property is a significant investment, and you want to make sure you are making the right decision. A buyer's advocate with local knowledge can provide valuable insights into the area's property market, including property values, zoning regulations, and upcoming developments. They can help you identify the best neighborhoods based on your preferences and budget. Watch out for buyers advocates who claim to be able to help you purchase remotely. Ask yourself how would they value add to your purchase, if they are not local.

3. Check their communication skills

Communication is a vital aspect of the buyer's advocate's role. They should be able to listen to your requirements and provide guidance based on your needs. Look for an advocate who is approachable, responsive, and proactive in their communication. They should keep you informed throughout the buying process and answer any questions you may have promptly.

4. Check for conflict of interest

One of the main benefits of working with a buyer's advocate is that they work exclusively for you and have no financial ties to any sellers or real estate agents. This ensures that they are working in your best interests, finding properties which are right for you, and not trying to push a property simply because their business associates are selling it. Make sure to ask the buyer's advocate about any potential conflicts of interest, and ensure that they disclose any relationships or financial incentives they may have with any real estate agents, sellers and developers.

5. Understand their fees

It is essential to understand the buyer's advocate's fees and how they are structured. Some advocates charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage (usually 2-3%) of the property's purchase price. There are also some who returns their time and fuel savings back to you, via special local rates if you are buying in their local area. Make sure you are comfortable with the fees and that they are transparent and clearly outlined in the contract.

6. Look for a personalized approach

Every buyer's needs and preferences are unique, and a good buyer's advocate should tailor their approach to your specific needs. They should take the time to understand your requirements and work with you to find the right property that meets your needs and budget. Avoid buyer's advocates who offer a one-size-fits-all approach or try to push properties that are not a good fit for your needs, these are more often than not, fake buyers advocates. They are selling properties on behalf of sellers, instead of recommending what you need to you.

About Concierge Buyers Advocates

Concierge Buyers Advocates is formed because our Director and Founder, Rayson, noticed buyers are being taken for a ride by unscrupulous real estate sales agents, and sales agents and project marketers masquerading as buyers agents or investment consultants. They are representing sellers, and selling you what they have at the maximum price you are willing to pay. Sellers has long had the unfair advantage when it comes to buying properties. He is turning the tables, and offering his vast real estate and property investment experience to help buyers get ahead and outsmart the property market.

Our team of buyers advocates and their recommendations and processes are vetted by our founder, to ensure we only help our clients secure what is right for them, at the right price.

In conclusion, choosing the right buyer's advocate is crucial in ensuring that you make the right decision when buying a property. Look for experience, local knowledge, communication skills, and a personalized approach. Check for potential conflicts of interest, and understand their fees. With the right advocate by your side, you can navigate the property market with confidence and find your dream home.