In my opinion, never have the words, "Let the buyer beware," been more aptly applied than in real estate transactions. I personally would not use a "buyer's agent" in any real estate transaction. I'm not saying they are all bad, but I've both purchased and sold real estate without an agent. No regrets whatsoever.
As a buyer, I have had "buyer's agents" misrepresent properties to me, up to and including how many legal lots comprised the property. (!!!) (I didn't purchase the property, needless to say.) So for myself, I don't trust them and I don't use them.
No matter what you decide, do your own homework. Head down to the local county offices. Learn everything you can: Easements, flood areas, legal lot size, are taxes up to date, who owns mineral rights, water rights, what improvements, if any, etc. Make sure your lot is a buildable one. If permits are required for anything, make sure they exist. A buyer's agent is SUPPOSED to know these things for you, but I haven't met many that will do as good a job researching the issues as you will yourself. And taking someone to court for recompense if they misrepresented something is usually prohibitively expensive and time-consuming -- as well as very hard to prove. Much better to just get it right in the initial transaction.
Talk to neighbors if you can. Get a feel for the neighborhood. I even go so far as to head down to the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the area and inquire about recent drug activity and/or busts. They are usually happy to talk about it. In other words, if there's been a recent meth lab remediation, e.g., I would want to know about that.
Don't sign a contract without having a real estate attorney look it over for you and explain exactly what is contained in the contract. The title company will ensure the title is free and clear.
That's really all there is to it.
I have worked directly with seller's agents and had excellent experiences, even though they represent the seller exclusively. Do make sure to ask about all disclosures and have them go over those -- but don't rely upon them exclusively. You yourself can't know too much about the property you propose to buy. Ever.
Good luck to you!!
As a buyer, I have had "buyer's agents" misrepresent properties to me, up to and including how many legal lots comprised the property. (!!!) (I didn't purchase the property, needless to say.) So for myself, I don't trust them and I don't use them.
No matter what you decide, do your own homework. Head down to the local county offices. Learn everything you can: Easements, flood areas, legal lot size, are taxes up to date, who owns mineral rights, water rights, what improvements, if any, etc. Make sure your lot is a buildable one. If permits are required for anything, make sure they exist. A buyer's agent is SUPPOSED to know these things for you, but I haven't met many that will do as good a job researching the issues as you will yourself. And taking someone to court for recompense if they misrepresented something is usually prohibitively expensive and time-consuming -- as well as very hard to prove. Much better to just get it right in the initial transaction.
Talk to neighbors if you can. Get a feel for the neighborhood. I even go so far as to head down to the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the area and inquire about recent drug activity and/or busts. They are usually happy to talk about it. In other words, if there's been a recent meth lab remediation, e.g., I would want to know about that.
Don't sign a contract without having a real estate attorney look it over for you and explain exactly what is contained in the contract. The title company will ensure the title is free and clear.
That's really all there is to it.
I have worked directly with seller's agents and had excellent experiences, even though they represent the seller exclusively. Do make sure to ask about all disclosures and have them go over those -- but don't rely upon them exclusively. You yourself can't know too much about the property you propose to buy. Ever.
Good luck to you!!
