If you’ve bought a house, then you most likely know the feeling of being overwhelmed by the process. If visiting a car dealership is stressful with researching types of vehicles, test drives, financing, and upgrade options, then buying a house is like buying a car times 50. The stakes and purchase price are both much higher. 

When you purchase a home, there are so many things to consider, including:
  • Financing options (how much are you putting down, where is the down payment coming from, what type of loan you are taking out, and how much is your monthly payment, etc)
  • Fitting touring homes into your busy schedule
  • What School District the property falls into
  • Proximity to work, friends, and family
  • Condition of the home
  • Future repairs you have to make to the home
  • Insurability of the property and more! 

California Association of REALTORS compiled 9 reasons why you need a Buyer’s Agent to purchase a home — and this list could have been longer! 

You may have seen headlines about the National Association of REALTORS settlement or new requirements to sign buyer representation agreements when you are purchasing a home. 

Here is a quick explanation on the new agreement that will be signed: 

“Thanks to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the trade association your REALTOR® belongs to, the process of purchasing a home has recently evolved to provide more clarity and transparency for consumers like you. One of the new requirements is that buyers must sign a written Buyer Representation Agreement before touring a home with an agent. This is a positive development for both consumers and agents because it facilitates conversations to help homebuyers better understand the process and learn the right questions to ask agents, including what they’re going to do for their clients. The agreement explains how your REALTOR® will act as your dedicated and professional guide. It also outlines their ethical and fiduciary duties to represent you to the best of their ability. The terms of the agreement are negotiated between you and your REALTOR®.”

You might be wondering: I bought a house 5 years ago and I never had to sign a buyer representation agreement. What changed? 

As a REALTOR, a member of the trade association, I must adhere to a Code of Ethics and rules pertaining to other REALTORS and the buyer representation agreement is one of those rules.

I look forward to having upfront conversations with clients about their goals, why they are looking to buy, and answering their questions.

Thinking about buying soon? Call me today and I’ll get you up to speed!  

Melissa Perez⁠⁠ ⁠
@premieragentperez ⁠
REALTOR, DRE# 01803254⁠⁠ ⁠
(951) 741-8441⁠⁠ ⁠
PremierAgentPerez@gmail.com⁠