When shopping for a home it is important that you feel you can trust the Agent you are working with. After all, this is someone you may be sharing your personal, financial, and confidential information with as you work together in the home buying process. How is this level of trust established? How can you be sure that they have your best interest in mind, and that they will keep your information confidential? The answer is: you don't, unless they represent you as your Buyer's Agent.

A Buyer's Agent provides a client-level service to the buyers they work with. This level of service includes fiduciary duties such as Loyalty, Full Disclosure, Confidentiality, Reasonable Care and Diligence, and Accounting.

• A Buyer's Agent is legally bound to represent the Buyer's interest exclusively.
• A Buyer's Agent assists the Buyer in writing and negotiating offers in the Buyer's favor.
• Buyer Representation gives the Buyer the same level of loyalty and service that the seller receives from their Listing Agent.
• A Buyer's Agent cannot disclose any confidential or financial information about their client unless they have written permission from their Buyer client.

Generally, it is recommended that you get pre-approved for a mortgage loan before you start viewing properties for sale. This involves meeting with a lender who will examine your current financial situation and credit history. The lender will then provide you with a document stating how much you can borrow to buy a home, which is called a pre-approval letter. The benefits of a pre-approval:

• You’ll know with certainty what you can afford and not waste your time looking at homes that are outside your price range.
• You'll know what your monthly mortgage payments will be and can budget accordingly.
• As a qualified, motivated buyer you’ll be taken more seriously when you make an offer on a home.
• You can lock in a good rate now, before rates go up again.
• A lender can determine whether you qualify for any special programs that may enable you to afford a better home (particularly if you’re a first-time buyer).