Lesley Pantich NAR

I Work for You

Ready to hunt for a home? Prepare for tons of paperwork, other buyers competing for the same house, and other challenges before you get your hands on those house keys. The process can be complex and stressful—which is why having a pro by your side can make all the difference.

You might have heard of buyer's agents, seller's agents, listing agents, and so on. You're a buyer, so what is a buyer's agent? True to their name, buyer's agents assist home buyers every step of the way; they can also save you tons of time and money on the road to homeownership.

Benefits of using buyer's agents

A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying transaction and be at your disposal for any questions or concerns.  Just some of the things I can do for you:

• Find the right property. After determining what you are looking for and what you can afford, I will set up a personalized search of the      Multiple Listing Service for you where you will be emailed with new additions and/or updates to the houses available.  I will then schedule appointments to tour homes that fit your requirements. I can also explain the ins and outs of various properties and neighborhoods to help you decide which home is right for them by explaining the pros and cons of various options.
• Negotiate the offer. I will advise you on an appropriate price to offer and present it to the seller's agent. Then I will negotiate on your behalf and write up the contracts for you. This is where an agent's experience in negotiating deals can save you money and help you avoid pitfalls like a fixer-upper that's more trouble than it's worth.
• Recommend other professionals. I can also refer you to reliable mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, movers,      and more. This can also help expedite each step of the process and move you to a successful sale all the faster.
• Help overcome setbacks. If a home inspector’s report or appraisal brings new issues to light, I can advise you on how to proceed, and then act as a buffer between you and the sellers or their agent. If negotiations become heated or hostile, it's extremely helpful to have an experienced professional keeping calm and offering productive solutions.

Buyer's vs. Listing agent: What's the difference?

Buyer's agents are legally bound to help buyers, whereas listing agents—the agent representing the seller(s)—have a fiduciary duty to them. That's why it's in your best interest as a buyer to get an agent who is there to represent you.  You need someone who will diligently fight for your interests and rights.

For instance, you walked up to the listing agent at an open house and gushed about how you love the home and want to buy it, but you will need to move soon because you're expecting your second child, or the lease on your rental is up in a couple of months. A seller's agent could then use this information against you by informing the seller that your clock is ticking, so they shouldn't budge too much on their asking price if at all. Yet make this same confession to the buyer's agent you're working with, and it's all fine— I would know to keep this info private from sellers (and their agents) so it can't be used against you.

How Much Do Buyer's Agents Cost?

Home buyers don't need to worry about the expense of hiring a buyer's agent because the seller pays the commission for both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent.

How to Get Started?

Contact me to set up your MLS search and we can start looking.  I enjoy exploring houses and want to help you find YOUR dream home, not just any home. My goal is to provide exceptional service and quick response times to a buyer's needs and have some fun along the way.