What does a buying agent do

What does a buying agent do and why is it a smart choice?
Buying a house involves a lot. From determining your housing needs to negotiating the price; it is a process that requires time and expertise. A buying agent helps you with this and makes sure there are no surprises. But what exactly does a buying agent do?

A good start: needs assessment

A buying agent starts with a thorough inventory of your housing needs. This includes:

• The desired location: Do you want to live in a city, a village or just in a quiet suburb? The location often determines the price and nearby amenities.
• Specific requirements and preferences: Do you need a garden, an extra study or a garage? Maybe you are looking for a characteristic house with historical elements or a modern new-build.
• The budget: What is your maximum financial space? An estate agent will help you understand what is feasible within your budget and advise you on financing options. Before you start looking for a house to buy, it is wise to make an appointment with a financial advisor. That way, you know exactly what your financial options are when buying a house.
• The ideal neighborhood: Do you want to live close to schools, public transport or shops? Perhaps you are looking for a child-friendly area or a lively neighborhood with restaurants and nightlife.
  
  Based on this information, the estate agent will look for suitable houses that match your wishes and possibilities.
  

The viewing
During a viewing, a buying agent plays an important role in ensuring that you can make an informed decision. These are some of the main tasks of a buying agent during a viewing:

• Building inspection: The buying agent pays attention to the overall condition of the house, such as the foundation, roof, walls, floors and installations such as electricity and heating. Any hidden defects will be spotted.
• Checking for hidden defects: Think of moisture spots, cracks in walls, wood rot or other defects that are not always noticeable at first glance.
• Market analysis and price estimation: The buying agent compares the property with recent sales in the area and gives a realistic estimate of the value.
• Assessing environmental factors: Besides the property itself, the buying agent also looks at the neighborhood, amenities, zoning plans and any future developments that may affect the value of the property

The benefits of a buying agent
There are many advantages to using a buying agent. Below, we list a number of important advantages:

• Unburdening: A buying agent takes all the tasks surrounding the buying process off your hands, allowing you to focus on the fun side of buying a house.
• Strong negotiating position: Thanks to experience and market knowledge, a buying agent knows exactly how selling agents think. This allows him or her to be clever in negotiations and negotiate a better price.
• Advantage over other buyers: Purchase brokers are always aware of the current housing offer. Sometimes they even know about houses before they come on the market, giving you an edge over other buyers.
• Objective and professional advice: An estate agent looks at a property without emotion and can give you a realistic picture. This prevents you from buying a house that later turns out to have hidden defects or unfavorable conditions.
• Support in reviewing documentation: Our estate agents go through relevant documentation with the buyer. Think of purchase deeds or documents from an association of owners.

Why use an estate agent?
The housing market is dynamic and constantly changing. By providing full assistance, market knowledge and a strategic advantage over other buyers, a buying agent increases your chances of finding and securing your dream home.