In Wisconsin, a homebuyer can choose to work with a buyer's agent or a seller's agent. 

Selling Agent: If you work with a selling agent, there is no contract between you and the agent, and you are not the agent's client.  You will, however, receive a Disclosure of Real Estate Agency form that lists the fair treatment duties owed to you and indicates that the selling agent is the home seller's agent.

Buyer's Agent: If you work with a buyer's agent, your are the buyer's agent's client.  You and the buyer's agent sign a WB-36 Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement that includes a Disclosure of Real Estate Agency.  The Disclosure lists the fair treatment duties owed to all parties and the duties owed to you as the client, and indicates that the buyer's agent is the agent of the buyer.

So what's the difference?  The buyer's agent works for the interests of the homebuyer, but also must know how to work with the listing agent. A buyer's agent can:

1. Give a negative opinion or critique of a seller's property beyond dislcosing defects.
2. Recommend or suggest an offering price or give you an opinion about whether a particular house is priced too high or too low.
3. Structure the offer and draft offer provisions with the buyer's best interests in mind.
4. Recommend and assist the buyer with negotiation strategies for the best price and terms.
5. Disclose all information and research a property's history.
6. Give advice within the scope of the agent's expertise as a licensed real estate professional.

Benefits of Using a Buyers Agent: Using a Buyers Representative offers the consumer many benefits.

• Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate properties that fit those specifications.
• Assist the buyer in determining the amount that they can afford (pre-qualify) and show properties in that price range and locale the consumer has determined.
• Assist in viewing properties and either accompany the client on the showings or preview the peroperites on behalf of the client to insure that the identified specifications are met.
• Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the consumer in making an informed decision prior to making an appropriate offer on the property.
• Advise the client on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.
• Present the offer to the sellers agent and seller on the clients behalf.
• Negotiate on behalf of the buyer client to help obtain the identified property. Keep in mind that the buyer agent will be doing so with their clients best interest in mind.
  Review and explain all legal documents to their buyer client.
• Recommendations and assistance in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.
• Provide a list of potential qualified vendors e.g. movers, attorneys, carpenters if these services are needed by the consumer.

Most importantly, the buyer would know that they are fully represented throughout the real estate transaction.

1st Time Homebuyer:

There are downpayment grants and deferred payment loans available to qualifying 1st time homebuyers in Waukesha, Milwaukee, and surrounding counties.  For more information, please contact me!  I can help you set up an appointment with a counselor and take the first step in home-ownership.   

UPromise:

If you are not yet familiar with the UPromise program then 'get with the program!'  UPromise is an excellent tool for college savings, and Century 21 has teamed up with the UPromise program to make your home sale or purchase extra special. 

To learn how UPromise can help you save for your special someone, just go to www.upromise.com 

To read about how Century 21 has incorporated this program into your homesale or purchase, just go to http://www.c21reichandroberts.com/upromise_RR.html

and GET WITH THE PROGRAM!! (all puns intended :)