Columbus home search tipsThe lean supply of Columbus area homes for sale can make buyers anxious, and inspire them to get too creative with their home search. Some tactics can backfire and close more doors than they open. Here’s what not to do during your Columbus home search!

  1. Do not call the listing agent for each home that interests you. You would be giving away information about yourself to a number of agents, who can use that information against you for the seller’s benefit. Listing agents typically encourage you to “act fast” and make the highest possible offer! They may also suggest that you waive essential contingencies, such as a home inspection, to make your offer more “competitive.”

As fiduciary agents to the seller, listing agents are required to get the best price and terms for them – not you!

Note: an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker can help you write a compelling offer without overpaying for the home, and without sacrificing protective contingencies!

  1. Do not “spread the word” about your home buying plans. Eager buyers might tell several agents, as well as residents in the neighborhood that they are looking to buy a home in a certain price range. Buyers hope that by putting out multiple “feelers” they will have an advantage.

This can backfire! These agents have the same local MLS access. When a new listing comes to market, these agents will say they “have a potential buyer.” (Namely you!) The neighbors will tell the home seller that they know a buyer, too. Suddenly, the sellers think they have the hottest listing on the market – and they’ll want to stand firm on the price!

When all these agents contact you to set up a showing for the same home, it’s awkward at the least! Once the duplication of effort is discovered, they will have little motive to help you further.

As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we can show you any home on the market, including FSBO and new construction. We have Broker-level access to all internal details in the Columbus Regional MLS, and an excellent network of home builders and industry professionals. In short, we give you the widest selection of listings, plus the new listing alerts via the MLS, and your own buyer portal into the listings database!

  1. Do not look at several homes with an agent, then write an offer using someone else. Agents do not have an hourly wage. They are only compensated by commission, if the sale has a successful closing. Making a last-minute change of representation robs an agent of their compensation, and can lead to a “Procuring Cause” dispute between agents – with you stuck at the center.

The great news is, our Buyer-Clients don’t suffer these “Procuring Cause” disputes!

We promise our Buyer-Clients undivided loyalty, and we work hard to obtain the very best price and terms for them on the home they choose. Our fiduciary level of service costs nothing extra – and actually gives buyers the most choices in the market, with superior representation in the home search and purchase process! We will be happy to explain how we do this!

As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, PSA,e-PRO, CREM, ABRM, AHWD
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services www.BuyersHome.com
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax