:: Kevin Wilhelm, GRI - Austin Real Estate Solutions. Coldwell Banker United, Realtors® Austin, Texas ::

Buying a home in the greater Austin area is, most likely, one of the largest financial transactions that you will undertake in your lifetime. Whether this is your first home or your fifth, you should enlist the help of a professional Buyer's Agent to help you.

Buyer Agency (a.k.a. Buyer Representation) is very important for you, the buyer, to understand. Did you know that unless you have a signed "Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement" with your agent, that agent represents the seller and not you? Even if you have been working with an agent for weeks on a consistent basis, if they do not represent you (by having the signed Buyer's Representation Agreement) then it is not their duty to have your best interests in mind throughout the transaction. Simply put, that means that they could disclose things to the seller you may not want them to, such as your financial status, important personal information, or other confidential things you may have said to the agent. Even if you know and trust your agent, it is in your best interest to sign a Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement with your agent.

By signing the Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement, it requires you to be loyal to your agent, and that you will not work with any other agents throughout the period of your agreement. It also requires your agent to be loyal to you and to promise to keep personal info strictly confidential, negotiate contract terms with your best interests in mind, and of course assist you in the search for the perfect property. With a signed Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement, you are oficially fully represented by a professional that has a duty to look out for your best interests at all times.

The best part is that your buyer´s agent´s services are at no cost to you! At the time of listing their homes, sellers contractually agree to pay both the listing agent AND the buyer´s agent.

Evaluate your specific needs and wants and locate properties that fit those specifications.

Assist in viewing properties -- accompany you on the showings, or preview the properties on your behalf to insure that the identified specifications are met.

Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help you make an informed decision prior to making an offer to purchase the property.

Advise you on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.

Present the offer to the seller's agent and the seller on your behalf.

Negotiate on your behalf to help obtain the identified property at the BEST PRICE possible -- keeping your best interests in mind at ALL times!

Most importantly, fully-represent YOU throughout the real estate transaction.

Be sure to check out the testimonials from my past & current clients. This will give you a better understanding of my style and my absolute dedication to my clients. Searching for your new home in Austin should be fun and stress free. I do my best to make sure that is the case.

If you have any questions regarding my role, and how I can help you with your Austin Area Home Search, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you!