Buying a home is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  Don't try to go it alone.  Until recently, buyers in Virginia had no choice.  Agents all worked for the sellers, even those agents who worked with the homebuyers, were sub agents of the listing agent, and working for the seller.

Many buyers never realized this.  They were totally unaware that the agent that they considered to be "their agent" was, (by law) working to get the best price for the seller.  They were supposed to inform the seller if they were aware that the buyer would be willing to pay more than their offer.  They also were supposed to disclose any information that the agent had learned from the purchasers.  Under the old system, all agents were legally bound to represent the seller, and the buyer had no representation at all.

With the new agency laws in Virginia, a standard buyer agent agrees, usually in writing, to represent the buyer.  They are responsible to their client to:

	Perform the terms of the brokerage agreement.
	Promote the clients best interest by seeking a transaction acceptable to the client.
	Provide financial accounting.
	Disclose material facts about the property or the transaction.
	Exercise ordinary care.
	Maintain client confidentiality, unless the information to be disclosed, is required by law.

Smart buyers today should have their own agent representative.  As before, the agent can show them homes that are available in their price range, help with information on inspections and financing, and help to write a contract.  The buyers agent will negotiate the best deal available for their client.  This includes obtaining useful information about the sellers and their property, that will work to the buyers fullest advantage.

Please read the page "Law of Agency", as that will give you more information on the agents role.

How much is this service going to cost the buyer?

A better question would probably be how much will it cost if you don't have me working for you.  Actually, it is very unlikely that there would be any charge to you at all.  In more than 99% of all of the listings in the Multiple Listing Service, the seller is willing to pay the commission due to the representative of the buyer. Most of the time even "For Sale By Owners" (FISBOs) are willing to pay an agents commission, if they bring them a buyer.

One of the areas in which I excel is negotiating.  I really enjoy doing it too.  I will probably end up saving you thousands of dollars in buying a home, compared to the average agent.  I’ll also arrange the best deals for you on settlement, and your loan. 

Incidentally, I will not take any kind of compensation for referring you to a loan officer, home inspector, or any other person.  I only deal with reliable, honest people, who I know will do a good job for you.

Dual Agency

Read the section of "Brokerage Relationships" that discusses "Overlapping brokerage relationships".  Jobin Realty may have a listing that sounds as if it would be suitable for your needs.  Your rights would be fully protected, and the company would be the duel agent. I would still represent you.  Both you and the seller would need to give permission for this.  The Multiple Listing printout will show if the sellers are willing to consider this option.  Most of them are very agreeable to this idea.  I look forward to working with you.