Do you need a Buyer’s Agent to Represent you in a purchase on Martha’s Vineyard?
Let me guess. You like to use Zillow, realtor.com or Redfin to easily search an area for properties for sale and to check values in a market? Well, I’m not going to say there is anything wrong with that. However, often houses that are listed on these sites are already under agreement or even sold, as there can be some lag time between when the information is submitted by an agency and when that information is updated. Furthermore, some agencies do not even advertise their listings on these platforms.
If you’re thinking about making a purchase on Martha’s Vineyard, you should definitely consider working with a buyer’s agent who is also a REALTOR. All REALTORS are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and as such, abide by a code of ethics.
If you truly want to find out about everything that is available, working with an experienced buyers agent will be key. They will provide you with access to a Multiple Listing Service (or MLS) that will be up to date with real time availability changes.
In addition to receiving the most current information about homes that are on the market – your Buyer’s Agent may know about homes that are not published in the MLS, as some sellers do not want their property to be publicly advertised. Or there may be properties that the agent knows about that are just about to come on the market. You will have a personal property scout who will keep you top of mind when they find out about new listings.
Of course, hiring a Realtor with experience is not only about helping you to find the right property. Once you have narrowed your choices, your buyer’s agent will provide you with very detailed information about comparable homes that have sold and will back that up with the appropriate documentation, so that you can make an educated decision when submitting an offer.
Once an offer is submitted, your agent is there to help you weigh financing options, handle tough negotiations, work through any home inspection issues and many more items that may pop up. An agent will consult with you and your closing attorney throughout the process to make sure every detail goes smoothly.
