Demystifying Real Estate Commissions: The Role of the Buyer's Agent
In the Portuguese real estate market, there is a common misconception among buyers: the idea that the presence of a buyer's specialist (or buyer's agent) increases the cost of the property. In reality, this is a myth that needs clarification.
How Do Real Estate Commissions Work?
In traditional real estate transactions, the commission paid for brokerage services is, in most cases, covered by the seller, not the buyer. This commission is pre-agreed between the seller and the real estate agency representing the property.
What many people don't realize is that within this commission structure, there are usually two agents involved:
The listing agent – Represents the seller and promotes the property in the market.
The buyer's agent – Works directly with the buyer, helping them find the best option and negotiating the most favorable terms.
Rather than increasing costs, the presence of a buyer's agent means that the total commission agreed with the seller is divided between the two professionals, without any additional cost to the buyer.
However, there are some exceptions: a) FSBO - For Sale By Owner) when the property owner wishes to sell independently, without real estate mediation, refusing to pay any commission; b) when the listing agency/agent does not share the commission with another agent. In both cases, the buyer(s) may choose to continue negotiations through their preferred agent, covering the buyer's agent commission, typically 3%.
Advantages of Having a Buyer's Agent
Many buyers end up dealing directly with the seller's agent, without realizing that their primary goal is to sell that specific property at the highest possible price for their client (the seller). By hiring a buyer's agent, the buyer gains a professional on their side, whose focus is to defend their interests and ensure they secure the best deal possible. Some benefits include:
Access to more property options – The buyer's agent is not tied to a single agency or specific property portfolio.
Better negotiation outcomes – A specialist can negotiate prices, contract clauses, and deadlines in favor of the buyer.
Support throughout the entire process – From property search to the signing of the deed, the buyer receives professional guidance.
Conclusion
The notion that a buyer's agent increases the property's price or represents an extra cost for the buyer does not reflect reality. On the contrary, this professional works to protect the buyer's interests and secure a better deal, without increasing the commission already stipulated by the seller.
Thus, when looking for a property, having a buyer's specialist by your side can be a strategic and financially sound decision.
Desmistificando as Comissões no Imobiliário: o papel do Agente de Compradores
No mercado imobiliário português, há uma perceção errada bastante comum entre os compradores: a ideia de que a presença de um especialista de compradores (ou agente de compradores) aumenta o custo do imóvel. Na realidade, este é um mito que merece ser esclarecido.
Como Funcionam as Comissões no Imobiliário?
Nos negócios imobiliários tradicionais, a comissão paga pelo serviço de mediação é, na grande maioria dos casos, suportada pelo vendedor, não pelo comprador. Esta comissão é acordada previamente entre o vendedor e a agência imobiliária que representa o imóvel.
O que muitos desconhecem é que, dentro dessa estrutura de comissionamento, normalmente há dois agentes envolvidos:
O agente angariador – Representa o vendedor e promove o imóvel no mercado.
O agente de compradores – Trabalha diretamente com o comprador, ajudando-o a encontrar a melhor opção e negociando as melhores condições.
Em vez de aumentar o custo, a presença do agente de compradores significa que a comissão total acordada com o vendedor será dividida entre os dois profissionais, sem que haja qualquer acréscimo para o comprador.
Há contudo, algumas situações de excepção, a) quando o proprietário deseja vender sozinho, sem mediação imobiliária, recusando-se a pagar qualquer comissão; b) quando a própria Agencia/Agente angariador não partilha comissão com outro Agente. Em ambos os casos, o(s) comprador(es) pode(m) optar por continuar as negociações através do seu agente de preferencia, suportando a comissão do Agente de Compradores, tipicamente de 3%.
Vantagens de Contar com um Agente de Compradores
Muitos compradores acabam por lidar diretamente com o agente do vendedor, sem perceber que este tem um objetivo claro: vender aquele imóvel pelo melhor preço possível para o seu cliente (o vendedor). Ao contratar um agente de compradores, o comprador passa a ter um profissional do seu lado, cujo foco é defender os seus interesses e garantir que faz o melhor negócio possível. Algumas vantagens incluem:
Acesso a mais opções de imóveis – O agente de compradores não está vinculado a uma única agência ou carteira de imóveis específica.
Negociação mais vantajosa – Um especialista pode negociar preços, cláusulas contratuais e prazos a favor do comprador.
Apoio em todo o processo – Desde a busca do imóvel até a assinatura da escritura, o comprador tem suporte profissional.
Conclusão
A ideia de que o agente de compradores onera o valor do imóvel ou representa um custo extra para o comprador não corresponde à realidade. Pelo contrário, este profissional trabalha para proteger os interesses do comprador e garantir um melhor negócio, sem que haja aumento na comissão já estipulada pelo vendedor.
Assim, ao procurar um imóvel, contar com um especialista de compradores pode ser uma decisão estratégica e financeiramente inteligente.
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Demystifying Real Estate Commissions: The Role of the Buyer's Agent
In the Portuguese real estate market, there is a common misconception among buyers: the idea that the presence of a buyer's specialist (or buyer's agent) increases the cost of the property. In reality, this is a myth that needs clarification.
How Do Real Estate Commissions Work?
In traditional real estate transactions, the commission paid for brokerage services is, in most cases, covered by the seller, not the buyer. This commission is pre-agreed between the seller and the real estate agency representing the property.
What many people don't realize is that within this commission structure, there are usually two agents involved:
The listing agent – Represents the seller and promotes the property in the market.
The buyer's agent – Works directly with the buyer, helping them find the best option and negotiating the most favorable terms.
Rather than increasing costs, the presence of a buyer's agent means that the total commission agreed with the seller is divided between the two professionals, without any additional cost to the buyer.
However, there are some exceptions: a) FSBO - For Sale By Owner) when the property owner wishes to sell independently, without real estate mediation, refusing to pay any commission; b) when the listing agency/agent does not share the commission with another agent. In both cases, the buyer(s) may choose to continue negotiations through their preferred agent, covering the buyer's agent commission, typically 3%.
Advantages of Having a Buyer's Agent
Many buyers end up dealing directly with the seller's agent, without realizing that their primary goal is to sell that specific property at the highest possible price for their client (the seller). By hiring a buyer's agent, the buyer gains a professional on their side, whose focus is to defend their interests and ensure they secure the best deal possible. Some benefits include:
Access to more property options – The buyer's agent is not tied to a single agency or specific property portfolio.
Better negotiation outcomes – A specialist can negotiate prices, contract clauses, and deadlines in favor of the buyer.
Support throughout the entire process – From property search to the signing of the deed, the buyer receives professional guidance.
Conclusion
The notion that a buyer's agent increases the property's price or represents an extra cost for the buyer does not reflect reality. On the contrary, this professional works to protect the buyer's interests and secure a better deal, without increasing the commission already stipulated by the seller.
Thus, when looking for a property, having a buyer's specialist by your side can be a strategic and financially sound decision.
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