Buyer Agency (see [Exclusive Buyer Agency: What's In It For the Consumer Buyer Agency]) is a relatively recent addition to the kinds of real estate agents representing consumers. In the 1990s Colorado underwent comprehensive real estate reform that provided protection for buyers who had previously been ignored in real estate transactions to their detriment. Prior to reform, if a buyer attended an open house or viewed a model home at a new home development and was interested in the home, he or she asked the agent holding the open house for information. Or if they called the agent whose name appeared on the For Sale sign, they didn't realize that in both cases the agent represented the seller's best interests and not the buyer's. That has all changed. Now Buyer Agency is the norm in Colorado. Buyers have their own representatives who have the buyer's best interests at heart.

I opened Buyers Advantage Real Estate of Metro Denver, Inc. in 2001 as an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage. As Managing Broker I'm a member of the National Association of Buyer Agents (NAEBA) and the Colorado Exclusive Buyer Agents Association (CEBAA). EBAs adhere to a Standards of Practice. I'm also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® which has a Code of Ethics for all members, and the Colorado Association of REALTORS®. Buyers Advantage Real Estate is a member of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a great source of information for people interested in relocating to Denver.

What can you expect from having your own representation?

As an exclusive buyer’s agent, I don’t ever represent sellers. When I represent you the seller will never know the bottom line price you’ll pay. If you use a “buyer’s agent” who works for a real estate firm who also employs listing agents, it’s possible the news could get to one of them (perhaps the one who listed the house you’re interested in buying). The listing agent will never know your buying strategy, because I have a fiduciary duty to represent your best interests, not the seller’s.

I’ll suggest things that the listing agent may not get around to, such as that you should have a home inspection using an ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) qualified home inspector. And I’ll try my best to make sure you get the problems fixed by the seller that you determine are the most important to you.

The seller’s agent won’t be able to negotiate as successfully as I will. I’m a tough negotiator who will get the best price for you, not the most money for the seller. I have no interest in whether the seller loses money on the deal or not except as it strengthens our negotiating position.

I’ll tell you the truth about whether or not you’re doing the right thing. If you rely on the seller’s agent, they may not “remember” a few things, like last year’s flooding in the basement from the spring rains or the fire in the attic.

If you want to buy a new home, I’ll work hard to make sure the builder does more than they would if they were “representing” you. I’ll make sure they install that overhead garage door opener they promised, and compact the soil the way it should be so it won’t erode before sod can be laid in the spring. The builder’s agent won’t go to bat for you when you need advocacy to get the job done right.

In short, I’ll represent your best interests, and get the best possible price for you, and I’ll work to eliminate the most problems along the way.

What does it cost?

My fee is paid out of the transaction at closing, and is included in the price of every home, including homes offered by builders. The only fee you might pay is a transaction management fee of $350 paid at closing. I use a Transaction Coordinator to manage the deadlines and details of the transaction from contract to move-in Markelle Harden serves as the Buyers Advantage Transaction Coordinator.

If you're planning to buy in the next six months go to the Buyers Advantage website and click on Home Search to look for homes in the Denver area. You can save your searches, and return as often as you want. And I'm always available to answer any of your real estate questions. Just email me at Judith@Buyers-Advantage.net or call direct at 303-587-3509.

Resume

Education

Practice

Prior to 1997

Volunteer Activities

Interests

My husband is a retired University professor and sociologist. I have two sons, one a catering chef in Boulder, the other an IT manager in Minneapolis. My granddaughter just turned 21, and lives in Boulder. My husband and I attend 1st Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Denver.