5 top reasons why you should use a Buyer’s Agent when buying real estate in Belize.

Introduction

Buying a home is a big undertaking, and buying one in a foreign country such as Belize, multiplies this undertaking by many folds. For this reason all aspects of the home buying process should be carefully considered before any decisions are made. Not only do you want to find your dream home, but you want to get it done in an efficient and cost effective manner. In hopes of staying within your budget, you may decide to cut some corners by carefully analyzing the things you want over the things you need. In making these decisions, you may decide to skip using a Buyer’s Agent. Is this a good decision? The answer quite frankly is ‘absolutely not’. Here are 5 reasons why:

 1.    It will not cost you a single penny

The perceived expense of hiring a buyer’s agent is generally what deters most people from exploring the possibility of a local buyer’s agent for their Belize real estate property purchase. Little do they know that in Belize the cost of using a Buyer’s Agent is covered by the seller out of the sale of their home. This means that choosing to use an agent will not only make your Belize home buying journey much easier, but it will not add a single penny to your budget.

2.   Efficiency

The search for a home is a very time-consuming process, even more so in Belize where the system of an MLS (Multiple Listing Service), does not exist. It could literally take you several weeks if not months to go through the multitude of individual websites offering Belize real estate for sale. By the time you do find a few options to compare it is likely that your option is already off the market. On the other hand, expert buyer’s agents are proficient at sorting through available properties to find homes that meet your needs. This will save you time as your agent can send you properties that specifically meet your needs so you do not need sieve through every single Belize real estate listing appearing on the internet.

Your buyer’s agent is an expert in their area. They will help you navigate through comparable properties, location advantages/disadvantages, and pros & cons of transportation options in the area. In short, your local buyer’s agent will help you create a wish list and filter through all of the relevant listings to help you find your dream home.

3.   Expert Negotiators 

Negotiation is a skill your buyer’s agent will have perfected and is one that will help you get the best deal, and possibly beat out other potential buyers in a multiple offer situation. Therefore when it comes time to put in an offer, your buyer’s agent will help you come up with a strategy that pivots on your best interest.

Experienced buyer’s agents are very knowledgeable of the local market and therefore are best position to advise clients on an appropriate price to offer and present it to the seller’s agent. A proficient buyer’s agent can also recommend ways to increase your chances in competitive bid situations and set expectations when they believe that the odds are not in your favor. This can mean signing a contract on your dream home vs. your second choice.

4.   Help overcome setbacks

If the home inspector’s report or appraisal brings new issues to light, a buyer’s agent can advise you on how to proceed with the transaction, and then act as a buffer between you and the sellers or their broker. If negotiations become heated or hostile, it’s extremely helpful to have an experienced professional keeping calm and offering productive solutions.

5.  Extensive professional network 

Buyer’s agent forms part of an extensive network of real estate professionals. As a result they will be able to provide referrals to essential services personnel, reliable appraisers, builders, mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, surveyors, relocation specialists, and a host of other real estate professionals. This invaluable resource can also help expedite each step of the process and move you to a successful real estate sale all the faster.

Conclusion

Proficient buyer’s agents are real estate professionals who keep their fingers on the pulse of the hottest properties and real estate movements in their areas of operations. They have first-hand knowledge of the local real estate markets and can help you to get the best price for your dream property. Once properly guided they will do the leg work and provide you with only those properties which satisfies your needs. They will walk you through the process and put you on a level playing field with the seller in order to ensure that you get value for your money. In sum, your buyer’s agent will save you time, money, and stress.

Visit us at www.shepherdbelizerealty.com for more useful buyers’ resources or to engage us as your Belize real estate buyer’s agent.