If you are looking for Homes for Sale in Bucks County or Hunterdon County, you are probably thinking of antique stone houses, country and river properties, old farm houses, horse properties, log homes, and weekend properties with great views.

Mercedes Hayes has had a presence in this region for many years, specializing in unique properties and vintage homes in the Delaware River Valley. Let's face it... There's a lot of information on the internet. Wouldn't it be easier to work with an agent who already knows the area and already knows the houses for sale? I'm licensed in both PA and NJ and I live in a log home my husband and I built ourselves.

Why do you  need a Buyer Agent?

In the wake of recent high-profile lawsuits against NAR, there is a lot of confusion about the role—or even value—of the Buyer Agent. Without our agency representation, a buyer is on his/her own. What would an unrepresented buyer have to deal with?  

Although the following steps in the Home Sale Process are taken for granted, the Buyer Agent has to orchestrate the process: 
 - We arrange your showings and create an itinerary. Otherwise, you’ll have to call each listing yourself
 - Through our experience, we know what to look for when locating and showing a property—things you may not notice or even know to ask about. (Busy road? The septic? What kind of heating system? etc.)
 - We are required to attend Continuing Education courses so we can stay current on Real Estate issues.
 - We already know the most reliable Mortgage brokers, according to our experience.
 - Through our paid membership to the MLS, We are able to search for comparable sold properties to help you determine what price to offer. We are familiar with pricing in the neighborhood.
 - We can have discussions with the Listing Agent that you wouldn’t have an opportunity to pursue. Again, you might not know what questions to ask.
 - We write the agreement of sale. Who will do that for an unrepresented buyer? 
 - We will negotiate the contract for you. Most people are not good at negotiating for themselves.
 - We attend all inspections, primary and secondary. We review inspection reports with you, and help you determine what is important and needs to be dealt with immediately.
 - We will meet any specialists at the property who will give you a quote for repairs. That way, you won't have to take time off from work.
 - We keep track of all deadlines so you don’t have to.
 - We will “babysit” all closing documents and make sure everything is in order.

NEW CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY:  Due to the recent National Association Realtor's settlement, the commission structure paid to Buyer Agents will no longer be published in the MLS. Some sellers are opting to list their property without any compensation for the Buyer Agent. If the seller does offer to pay our commission, there is no change to you. If not, Best Case scenario, we can make the Buyer Agent compensation part of the Agreement of Sale. Worst case scenario, if the seller does NOT agree, or only pays part of the commission, we must ask you to contribute. This is why I ask you to read the Buyer Agency agreement carefully. 

These recent developments further heighten the importance of thoroughly discussing Buyer Agency Representation when we first meet (or speak on the phone). This situation creates a whole new scenario we’ve never had to deal with, and we’re just not sure how it will all pan out.  Remember, the commission is paid at settlement. No up-front costs to work with a Buyer Agent.

Thanks ahead of time for your consideration.