Homebuyers need to be careful when purchasing their home that they are getting the full value of having a BUYER'S AGENT on their side. According to a 1983 Federal Trade Commission study, most buyers fail to understand that the agent who shows them homes is actually working on the seller's side. Consequently, buyers often reveal too much information to the real estate agent who is showing them homes. Few buyers realize that anything they say will be told directly to the seller and will be used to help the seller obtain the maximum price from the buyers.

According to Alice and Denise Fields, authors of Your New Home, the buyer's best protection is to hire a buyer's agent. Most real estate experts agree. A buyer's agent can open more of the market to the buyer, including for-sale-by-owner properties and properties that are not yet listed. But, the Fields caution that buyers should be aware of "counterfeit" buyer agents who say that they will offer you buyer agency and then do business the same way they always have. According to Fields, buyers should never hire a real estate agent without a written contract that spells out the details of how the agent will work. Also, buyers should always ask the agent how long he or she has been practicing as a buyer's agent.

The Wolfson Home Team of Robert, Barrry & Judi Wolfson
are ALL Acredited Buyers Agents