Real estate agents are not just for sellers. Buyers can hire an agent as well. They can enter into a buyer's representation contract so that they can have someone working hard to find them the perfect home and help negotiate a fair price. What many buyers do not realize when they attend open houses or call the number on an agent's for sale sign is that the agent represents the seller. The agent is working in favor of his/her client (the seller), not the buyer, which would be thecustomer. Buyer representation ensures that your agent is negotiating in your favor. An important thing to consider is that most buyer's agents do not actually get paid by the buyer. Often times they split the commission paid to the seller's agent, which means buyer representation is usually free. There are more benefits to having an agent working in your corner when buying a home than going house hunting on your own.

Blog inspired by article written by Annamaria Andriotis featured in SmartMoney on The Wall Street Journal and can be seen here: http://www.smartmoney.com/spend/real-estate/do-you-need-a-buyers-agent-1304523622290/?