What is a Buying Agent?

Buying a property is not an easy process. It involves a lot of searching, a lot of paperwork, and it can be very time-consuming. If you want the process of buying a property to be a simpler one, you might want to consider using a buyers’ agency/buying agent. 

A buyers’ agent is a licensed professional that acts on the buyer’s behalf. They provide services for all aspects of a property search, including: searching for properties, assessing potential properties, and negotiating on the best deal for the buyer.

Unlike a real-estate agent who acts on behalf of the seller, a buyers’ agent gives the buyer the upper hand in the property market.

Why Do I Need a Buyers’ Agency?

If you are purchasing  a property in a large city like Dublin, you may need professional assistance to narrow down your property search. A number of reasons why you might want to consider hiring a buyers’ agent are:

• They Save You Time

A buying agent will help reduce the time an amateur buyer would spend searching for a property. By ensuring that your search is focused, the buyers’ agent will be able to successfully eliminate a whole host of properties that will not meet your requirements. The success of this process is dependent upon the agent’s experience with the property market, something which the average buyer cannot easily replicate.

A buyers’ agent will also ensure that your property search does not take over your life, or encroach on your free time. The bulk of the process will be handled by the agent so that your weekends won’t be wasted viewing properties that are not suitable for you in any way.

If you happen to live overseas, a Dublin-based buyers’ agent will be an invaluable time saver. The agent will be able to offer you a short-list of potential properties, coupled with virtual tours of properties if necessary. This way, a property can be successfully found for an international buyer, even if he/she does not have the luxury of flying back and forth for viewings.

• Expert Knowledge 

A buying agent will have the knowledge needed to find the right property, for the right price – every time. It is their job to search through property listings so you don’t have to – and their expertise in this area ensures that the client will be satisfied with the results. If multiple potential properties are found, the buyers’ agent will be able to advise you on the best coarse of action, and take aspects of the property into account which you may not have considered (for example, the property’s potential for future resale). The client may also have access to properties which are not even on the market yet, by utilising the agent’s extensive list of professional contacts.

• They Are Master Negotiators

A buyers’ agent is a property market expert. They can tell the actual worth of a property, and can skillfully negotiate based on this knowledge.

A buyers’ agent is familiar with the negotiation tactics often employed by the vendor and the estate agent, and will be able to counter them effectively. The client will , therefore, be sure to get the best deal possible and won’t end up overpaying for a property that is not worth so large an investment.

A buying agent is also a master of auctions, and will approach them with a levelheadedness that an inexperienced property searcher may not possess.

• Reviewing Contracts and Agreements

Not everyone can navigate a purchasing agreement with ease. There are a lot of things that you can overlook while going through a contract.

A buyers’ agent can review the contract with you to make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you sign.

• Recommendations of Other Useful Contacts

Your buying agent has a list of trusted people that you can count on as well. From reliable mortgage brokers to the best moving companies, they know who you should call. And if you’re a first-time buyer in Ireland, having access to these contacts can be a valuable asset.

How Do You Find a Buyers’ Agency?

A lot of buying agents are found through word-of-mouth, so check to see if your friends can recommend a good agency.

You should also look at the testimonials of previous clients for an insight into the process, and prepare a list of questions to ask during your initial enquiry.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Buyers’ Agent

• How familiar are you with the area I’m interested in?

If you’re interested in a particular area, you need to be sure that the agent knows this area well.

A buyers’ agent will be able to recommend the best schools in the area, the best transport links, and what amenities are available in the area.

• Do you accept sales listings?

If the agent answers “yes” to this question, it means that they are not working exclusively as a buyers’ agency. Their interests may be focused more on making a sale, and less on finding the best property for you.

• What professional contacts can you recommend me?

A buying agent with a good list of contacts can greatly ease the process, so make sure he/she can recommend other professionals to improve the buying experience.

Qualities to Look for in a Buyers’ Agent

• Relatable: You need someone who you can talk to easily. Good communication is a crucial element in the  buying process.
• Knowledgeable: A buyers’ agent who knows the ins and outs of Ireland’s property market (as well as more localised knowledge) is essential.
• Persistent: You want someone who will be able to bid and negotiate with sellers without hesitation. Your agent should be someone who is determined to get you what you want.
• Flexible: You need someone who is easy to deal with, and who will be able to act with your best interests in mind when it comes to negotiations.
• Detail-oriented: Your buyers’ agent should be focused on what you have specified you are looking for, and source properties accordingly.

Choosing the right buyers’ agent can help you avoid months of stress, and fast-track the buying process. Trust your instincts, choose wisely, and you will have the key to your perfect home in no time.