How does a buyer’s agent get paid?
As unbelievable as it may seem, you can have your cake and eat it too. You can have your own agent represent you throughout the purchasing process and not even be required to pay for it out of your own pocket, unless you choose to do so. In most cases the buyer’s agent is actually paid, at closing, out of the commission that the seller pays to the listing office. In the case of a property that is for sale by owner, the buyer’s agent’s compensation is generally included in the offered price as part of the contract.

Is it really that simple?
Yes, but there is one caveat. If you choose to look at a property with another agency, even at an Open House, and then wish to purchase that property through your own buyer’s agent, the first agency may be entitled to the commission legally (“procuring cause”), as well as ethically (“The Golden Rule”). You could still choose to hire your own agent, but you would then be responsible for their compensation.

When should we choose an agent?
For your own protection, choose a buyer’s agent to represent you, before going out to look at property. Do not look at property unless your agent is with you.

What do you need from us?
We like to meet our prospective buyers as soon in the process as possible, to discuss the buyers’ needs and wants, our services, and mutually decide if we should agree to work together. Because we are a small company and only work with a few clients at a time, it is important to us that these buyers are serious and committed to us, as well. In exchange for our allegiance and diligence, we ask that our clients agree to work only with us.

Do we have to sign a contract?
Yes. NH state law requires that in order for someone to hire another person as an agent to represent him or her, there must be a written contract spelling out the terms under which that agent will work. We use a form prepared by the NH board of Realtors to clearly state our agreement with our clients, including dates, property descriptions and price ranges, compensation, and the responsibilities of each party.

If you rarely take listings, how can you show us any properties?
As members of the NH Board of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service, we have access to any properties that are on the market. We can obtain listing information, preview properties, and set up appointments to show them to prospective buyers.

Can we take a peek to see what’s for sale?
If you are interested in checking out current listings in the MLS, you can do this through our website. Just go to the MLS page, click on the New Hampshire icon, choose a county (Merrimack and Sullivan are the local counties) and enter your choices for a search. Let us know which properties interest you, (just send us the MLS numbers) and we will check them out for you.