100 Things Buyer's Agents Do for Their Clients

txPLP.com

It's been a rough couple weeks for buyer's agents — and for how they're being portrayed in the media. Since the NAR settlement, comments sections of news articles have been rife with remarks like "What do real estate agents even do anyway?" that imply that agents don't deserve their commissions.

While we advise that you stay away from these online discussions — which quickly turn toxic — you may need to offer answers to the question of what you do to clients and prospects at some point.

Fortunately, as any buyer's agent knows, you do a whole lot! We want to hype you up during this challenging time and help you be ready to list all the wonderful ways you help your clients the next time you get that question. That's why we've rounded up this list of 100 things that real estate buyer's agents do for their clients.

The list is written as if buyers are reading it, so please feel free to copy and paste this anywhere that it's helpful — on your website, into presentations, your email newsletter, and beyond!

Before Your Search Begins

1. Understand your needs and wants as a buyer (e.g., number of bedrooms, desired school district, commute time)
2. Discuss your budget and pre-qualification options (explain pre-qualification vs. pre-approval)
3. Educate you about the current real estate market (local trends, market conditions)
4. Explain the buying process (steps involved, timeline)
5. Provide a buyer's agency agreement outlining their responsibilities, compensation, and fiduciary duty to represent your best interests
6. Discuss financing options (conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans)
7. Help you get pre-approved for a mortgage (connect you with lenders, understand loan terms)
8. Explain the role of different parties involved (seller's agent, escrow officer, title company)
9. Advise on homeowner's insurance considerations (types of coverage, estimated costs)
10. Discuss potential tax implications of buying a home

During Your Search

11. Set up a personalized MLS search based on your criteria (location, price range, property type)
12. Recommend properties that meet your criteria and highlight key features
13. Schedule appointments to view properties and manage your showing itinerary
14. Provide virtual tours if available and conduct virtual consultations if needed
15. Research the neighborhoods you're interested in (schools, amenities, crime rates)
16. Point out pros and cons of each property during showings
17. Offer honest and unbiased opinions based on your needs and market knowledge
18. Identify potential problems with properties (structural issues, outdated features, renovation needs)
19. Help you stay organized with property information (create spreadsheets, share notes)
20. Track new listings that hit the market and notify you of potential matches
21. Schedule follow-up appointments for properties you'd like to see again
22. Answer questions about open houses and how to best approach them
23. Explain the role of "coming soon" listings and pre-market opportunities
24. Advise on strategies for attending competitive open houses
25. Help you understand the concept of "pocket listings" (unlisted properties)
26. Offer guidance on making low-ball offers (weighing risks and benefits)
27. Explain the concept of escalation clauses in competitive offers
28. Discuss the importance of earnest money deposits and potential holding fees
29. Advise on timelines for submitting offers and response expectations
30. Help you prioritize properties based on your evolving needs and preferences

Making an Offer

31. Explain different offer strategies based on market conditions (fixed price, escalation clauses)
32. Help you determine a competitive offer price considering comps (comparable properties) and market analysis
33. Draft and submit a formal offer following standard real estate contract formats
34. Negotiate on your behalf with the seller's agent to get the best possible terms
35. Present counteroffers strategically to improve your offer's position
36. Recommend concessions you can request beyond price (closing costs, repairs, warranties)
37. Advise on closing costs and help you estimate associated fees
38. Ensure all contingencies are included in the offer to protect your interests (financing, inspections, appraisals)
39. Explain the concept of "due diligence" period and your rights during that time
40. Keep you informed of the negotiation process and provide timely updates

Under Contract

41. Schedule and coordinate the home inspection with a qualified inspector
42. Accompany you to the home inspection to ask questions and take notes
43. Review the home inspection report with you, explaining findings and potential repair needs
44. Negotiate repairs with the seller based on the inspection report
45. Help you understand the process of scheduling and attending additional inspections (e.g., radon, pest)
46. Facilitate communication between you and the lender to ensure smooth loan processing
47. Recommend reputable mortgage lenders if you haven't already secured pre-approval
48. Help you gather necessary documents for loan approval (tax returns, bank statements)
49. Schedule and attend the appraisal (if required by your lender)
50. Review the appraisal report and explain its impact on
51. Advise on potential challenges with loan approval and suggest solutions
52. Explain the role of private mortgage insurance (PMI) if applicable
53. Help you understand the escrow process and communicate with the escrow officer

Before Closing

54. Order title search to identify any ownership or lien issues
55. Review the title commitment and explain its implications
56. Advise on homeowner's insurance options and help you get quotes
57. Schedule the final walk-through to ensure the property's condition aligns with the contract
58. Ensure all repairs agreed upon are completed before closing
59. Review closing documents thoroughly and explain each section
60. Answer any questions you have about closing and prepare you for the process

After Closing

61. Provide recommendations for reputable movers based on your needs and budget
62. Help you connect with home warranty companies to explore coverage options
63. Offer recommendations for home improvement contractors for post-purchase renovations
64. Stay in touch and answer any questions you have after closing
65. Provide resources for navigating homeownership, including maintenance tips and homeowner associations (HOAs)

Additional Services

66. Provide resources for school information and district ratings
67. Help you understand local property taxes and potential exemptions
68. Advise on homeowner association (HOA) fees and explain HOA rules
69. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of different property types (single-family home, condo, townhouse)
70. Help you understand lead paint disclosures and potential remediation requirements
71. Assist with navigating historical property reports to understand the property's background
72. Recommend resources for obtaining permits and inspections for renovations
73. Connect you with property management companies if you plan to rent out the property
74. Help you understand the process of obtaining homeowners' insurance
75. Offer guidance on budgeting for ongoing homeowner expenses (maintenance, utilities)

Client Communication

76. Be available to answer your questions by phone, email, text, or preferred method
77. Communicate promptly and effectively, keeping you informed throughout the process
78. Advocate for your best interests during negotiations and throughout the transaction
79. Provide you with clear and concise explanations, avoiding technical jargon
80. Be patient and understanding, acknowledging the stress involved in buying a home

Market Knowledge

81. Stay up-to-date on current market trends (inventory levels, interest rates, price fluctuations)
82. Analyze local market data to identify buying opportunities
83. Provide insights into specific neighborhoods, highlighting pros, cons, and future development plans
84. Offer comps (comparable properties) for reference during your search
85. Help you understand seller motivations to inform your offer strategy

Technology

86. Utilize technology to streamline the buying process (electronic signatures, online portals)
87. Use digital tools for property searches with interactive features and filters
88. Offer electronic document signing for added convenience and efficiency
89. Provide online communication platforms for easy information exchange and updates
90. Use marketing tools to target potential properties that meet your criteria

Negotiation Skills

91. Negotiate effectively on your behalf to secure the best possible terms
92. Present your offer in the best light, highlighting your strengths as a buyer
93. Counteract seller's arguments strategically to improve your offer's position
94. Advocate for repairs without jeopardizing the deal by finding common ground
95. Help you achieve a win-win outcome that satisfies both parties
96. Maintain a high level of professionalism throughout your interactions
97. Dress appropriately for appointments and meetings, projecting a positive image
98. Be respectful of all parties involved (sellers, agents, inspectors)
99. Adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring fair and honest representation
100. Conduct business with integrity and transparency, building trust with your clients

There you have it — 100 things buyer's agents do for their clients.

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