What Is a Buyer’s Agent?
Hi, I am Lynn Castner and I am a buyers only broker. My company, Hilton Head Buyers Real Estate, LLC, is a buyers only brokerage. Here’s what that means to you.
In South Carolina, all agency relationships require a written agency agreement. If a real estate agent takes listings, he/she is a sellers’ agent who represents the seller as a client under a written listing agreement (contract). A real estate agent who represents a buyer as a client, not a customer, must have a written buyer client agreement (contract). Then the agent is a buyers’ agent and you are a buyer client.
All licensed SC real estate agents must provide clients and customers selling or buying SC real estate with a copy of the Agency Disclosure Brochure, Agency Relationships in South Carolina, by the SC Real Estate Commission. It explains the difference between being a client of the agent, and being a customer, who is not represented by an agent. A real estate agent who shows you property is not your agent unless you have a written buyer client agreement (contract).
Here is the complete copy of that brochure, which will open with Adobe Reader. Click Agency Law Brochure to view.
Why Hire Me as Your Buyer’s Agent?
My legal background, extensive experience, education, and training as a buyers’ agent qualifies me to provide you the highest client level service. If you buy from a listing agent, or agents showing you other listings without a written buyer client agreement with you, those agents legally represent the seller, not you, and they cannot negotiate for you. Don’t pay a seller’s price when you buy.
Let me negotiate the best price and terms for you!
The SC Real Estate Commission states in the Agency Disclosure Brochure:
“Unless or until you enter into a written agreement with the Company for agency representation, you are considered a “Customer” of the Company and the Company will not act as your agent. As a Customer, you should not expect the company or its licensees to promote your best interest, or to keep your bargaining information confidential”. Anything you say to the sellers’ agent may be passed on to the seller.
The brochure concludes, “Remember, however, that until you enter into a representation agreement with the Company, you are considered a Customer and the Company cannot be your advocate, cannot advise you on price or terms, and cannot keep your confidences.”
When you are ready to buy, we will sign a written buyer client contract, where you agree that my company and I will represent you as your buyer agent in your purchase of any property during the term of the contract. We will need to do this when you begin to tour properties with me. Then, as your buyer agent, I will be your advocate, I will advise you on price or terms and I will keep your confidences.
REMEMBER, IF YOU RETAIN ME AS YOUR BUYER AGENT, I DO NOT CHARGE HOURLY OR RETAINER FEES FOR MY CLIENT LEVEL SERVICES. YOU PAY ME NO FEES. MY FEE IS ONLY THE COOPERATING BROKER COMMISSION PAID BY THE SELLER WHEN AND IF YOU BUY.
As Your Buyer Agent, This Is What I Will Do!
- I will help you find the community, neighborhood or development and find the home for you that meets your needs. I will make available information on all properties for sale that fit your expectations.
- When you are ready to consider making an offer, I will get the listing history of the prospective purchase, and full financial information on comparable recent sales so you will have the tools to make an informed decision on what is a fair price to offer.
- When you find the property you want, we will develop a negotiation strategy. Then, I will draft an offer to buy and negotiate the best price and terms on your behalf. I will draft the sales contract to protect your best interests.
- I will assist you in finding a lender who will meet your needs in mortgage financing, if needed.
- I will arrange for you to receive a property disclosure statement a seller is required to provide when selling residential property in South Carolina.
- I will help you arrange a home inspection of the condition of the property and its systems to protect you.
- I will work with the attorney you choose to help you in closing your sale (In SC an attorney must close all real estate sales).
- I will work with you during the closing period and occupancy of your home or villa in a residential purchase.
Thanks for letting us assist you!
Questions? Contact me directly by email or phone; click the above tab “Contact Us.”
I personally answer all inquiries.
Lynn Castner, Broker in Charge
