FREE HELP For Buyers
Buying Real Estate in the St. Louis area:
This section includes information and real estate services for buying a home in the St. Louis, Clayton/Central Corridor, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Des Peres, West County, South County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County areas. We recommend you use the Home Search if you are interested in searching for a home. We are privy to some of the best homes before they go on the market. Simply fill out the Property Request form and we'll get back to you ASAP with homes that meet your specific requirements.
Know all your options before you buy.
We specialize in helping buyer's buy the right home at the right price.
As a buyer, you have four options:
- This may not be the right time for you... You may have credit issues that need to be addressed before you can buy. Click Here to get help "cleaning-up" your credit report.
- Buy your house without a Realtor. There are two important things to know:
- First - If you buy a home that is listed in the multiple listing service (This includes homes listed on Realtor.com), it is extremely likely that you will not save any money because neither you or the seller are entitled to the "commission" that has been set aside for real estate agents.
- Second - People who unwittingly over-pay for a home often are working without an agent. In an effort to "save some commission" they easily can over-pay because they did not have a complete and accurate understanding of comparative market costs and values.
- Other costs associated with purchasing a home may be higher for a buyer without an agent... Why? Because agents understand the paper flow and adminstrative requirements of ancilary services, and therefore are often charged less for these services because of agent efficiencies. Agents can pass these savings on to their clients.
- Take advantage of our preferred real estate agent's experience and capabilities. We have a real estate agent with a unique and practical marketing, sales, service and quality background that you can use to find the right house at the right price. We understand that you may be hesitant to "commit" to any agent. Therefore, you are cordially invited to a no-obligation buyer's consultation. Feel free to invite anyone you trust and/or admire to attend this consultation with you. Please call Doug Watson, Real Estate Consultant with RE/MAX Results at 314-951-1924 to schedule an appointment. You may also contact Doug through his website at www.ThinkHomesThinkWatson.com
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A Buyer's agent works solely on behalf of the Buyer and owes fiduciary duties to the Buyer which includes the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity. The agent will negotiate on behalf of and act as an advocate for the Buyer.
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A Transaction Broker will be neither your agent or your advocate. They assist with only the transaction... including communication, negotiation, and closing.
Use a Traditional Buyer's Real Estate Agent. For whatever reason, you may decide to use another agent. If you are looking for a good Buyer's Agent to assist you in buying a home, We'll be happy to ask you some key pertinent questions that can help us, help you find a good agent.
Why do I need a Buyers Agent?
In general, it is a question of representation. An agent can represent you as a Buyer's Agent or assist you as a Transaction Broker.
Prior to 1994, the Realtor working with the Buyer was either an Agent of the Seller or a sub-agent of the Listing Broker. The Realtor could be the Buyers brother but, by law, would be representing the Seller. In an effort to more clearly define the relationships, the Commission adopted new standards in 1994 with options for the Buyer, Buyer's Agent or Transaction Broker. The Buyer's Agent option can be created only with a signed contract between the Buyer and the Agent; in the absence of an Agency contract, the Transaction Broker relationship is established by default. Again, a Buyer's Agent represents the Buyer and a Transactional Broker assists the Buyer throughout the buying process.
If buying a home is indeed the most significant financial and personal decision you will make this year, doesn't it make sense to choose a Buyer's Agent with fiduciary responsibility and the ability to work for you as an advocate.
How long is a Buyers Agency commitment? It can be for any period of time and can be specific to the type of property or a geographic area.
Who pays a Buyer's Agent? The Seller, almost without exception: you will always know before an offer is made on any property. In our market, any property utilizing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reveals whether or not the Seller will pay a Buyer's Agent. Almost Almost without exception, the Seller agrees to pay the Selling Agent (Buyer's Agent or Transaction Broker) at the time of closing. If compensation is not by the Seller, the written agreement between the Buyer and the Broker provides for compensation by the Buyer.
Is there a retainer fee or hourly fee? No.
Do you have to have a written Buyers Agency agreement? Yes, it is a requirement of the Missouri Real Estate Commission as it clearly outlines the relationship and the contractual duties of both parties.
Can my Buyer’s Agent tell me if they think a property is overpriced? Yes, a Buyer's Agent can give their opinion as to the market value of a property.
Please contact us if you want assistance in finding a good buyer’s agent
Through this website we provide you with Free reports designed to help you in your search for information on purchasing the right home. The Resource Center page contains useful real estate information from sites that have been researched for you. There are sections devoted to St Louis relocation needs, MO schools, real estate tax information, home and garden, maps and St Louis weather. We provide special services for buyer's who are interested in purchasing a home that is "For Sale By Owner".
If you are selling your home in the St Louis area, please be sure to visit the section for selling a home to obtain an online market analysis of your home of your home.
We hope you enjoy your visit and come back soon. We are always available for personal service by phone or email, so please contact us with questions any time!
