"Should I hire a buyer's agent to represent me, either on a resale home or a new construction home?"

Of course! Why?

First, it COSTS YOU NOTHING.
Seriously. No, really. Nothing at all!
The seller pays (generally) a 6% commission to the listing agent, who splits this with your buyer's agent. You don't have to pay a cent!

Second, hiring an ethical, competent, skilled professional Realtor who is working to protect your interests is as sensible as wearing a life jacket while water skiing.

Third, assuming I identify potentially expensive problems with the property, you will need professional help renegotiating the contract, either seeking to lower the price to cover repairs, or seeking to have repairs completed before closing.

Fourth, you stand a fair chance of leveling the playing field, (given your agent is not teamed up with the listing agent behind your back looking for a quick buck at your expense. More on this below.) It takes a professional to negotiate with a professional.

Fifth, when you first meet the seller's agent, (or in the case of new construction, the builder's sales staff), tell them right up front that you are using a buyer's agent.

You have now just moved up the food chain from "prey" to "maybe we better treat this one with some respect"!

Also, a really, really good buyer's agent also makes my job easier, by educating you ahead of time about the negotiation & repair process, and by helping you absorb the information I give you.

The trick is to find a buyer's agent you can trust.

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"So, how do I find a buyer's agent I can trust?"

You want to know that your agent has your best interests at heart.

I'll do you a favor, pro bono; call Susan Galyean (at 512.784.6850), who has handled over a dozen transactions for me personally. Not only has she earned my trust and respect professionally, having watched her in action helping my clients over the years, but I've known her since the second grade & literally would trust her with my life. (Did I mention that professionalism, loyalty, & integrity are her strong points, and mine as well?)

Disclosure notice: I neither receive nor pay any referral fees to ANYONE, Susan included. I don't mind referring people I trust and respect to those who need this help.

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"I already have a buyer's agent; should I use the inspector my agent recommended?"

OK, this is a good question.

First, understand that of the thousands of Realtors in central Texas, less than a half-dozen have earned my respect, and I theirs.

I do NOT market to agents, and agents do NOT refer me to their buyers.

It has been said that the most dangerous place for a home inspector to stand is between an agent and a commission. (I have the scars to prove it.) Bear in mind there are usually 2 agents involved, so tensions can mount should I "complicate" the transaction by disclosing defects.

And, I simply could not care less. I work for you, NOT the agents. All the sleep I have lost for causing agents grief would not even be measurable.

There are plenty of inspectors I refer to as "Realtor whores", who desperately seek agent referrals. These Austin home inspectors even perform "listing inspections", in an attempt to discourage the buyer from hiring an independent inspector. Disgusting.

My clients generally find me through online searches, because they may not be comfortable using the agent's recommended inspector.

You decide.

Call Brent at (512)-914-1907 now!