I ran across this interesting article in The Denver Post about real estate agents turning to “Home Clearers” in an effort to move homes stuck on the market.  No, these home clearers should not be confused with people who stage homes for showing, rather these work more in the spiritual realm.

Home clearers market their abilities to remove negative vibes from a home on the market, allowing potential home buyers to receive good vibes and be more willing to put in an offer.  I can just hear the commercial jingles now in tune with the old Ghostbuster’s anthem, “Who you gonna call? Home clearers!”

The Post article even referenced one such home clearer, David Stevens, who upon entering his client’s property claimed to “feel the resentment seeping in from the older property next door.”  I know it’s a tough market, but that’s a bit of a stretch to me, and envoked visions of Jim Carey as Ace Ventura – “I have exorcised the demons…this house is clear.”

Still, you have to admire Stevens’ entrepreneurial spirit. The day he was contacted for the story he was working on his third “clearing.”  At $100-$200 per home that’s a decent day of earnings.

When real estate agents and homeowners have tried everything under the sun to move the house, perhaps an extra couple hundred dollars to rule out negative vibes is worth it.

In a tough market, people are looking for any way they can to save a little on real estate transactions.   Many are resorting to FSBO (for sale by owner) listings.  Others are negotiating down real estate agent commissions.  One place I would not scrimp when looking to buy a home is hiring a buyer’s agent, and here are few reasons why I believe hiring a real estate agent is a smart move.

Benefits of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent

Narrow listings based on your needs.  Let’s face it, there are a lot of homes for sale around the country, and even in your local community.  Who has time to sift through all the listings and identify those within your price range, in the school zone you are interested in, and with the features you are looking for.  That’s exactly what a buyer’s agent can offer.

Coordinates showings with seller’s agent or homeowners. Another time-saving advantage of hiring a buyer’s agent is getting their help with coordinating a viewing of a particular house of interest.  Often the buyer’s agent scheduled a time with seller’s agent for you to view the home, and if the home is listed with a Realtor, has access to the property via a lockbox.

Buyer’s agents work on your behalf.  In my experience, a good buyer’s agents have your best interest at heart when buying a home. They will steer you clear of any potential legal pitfalls, help you compile statistics such as the sales history of the home, it’s tax records, etc.  Sharing one agent between two parties is not advisable.

Help negotiate final purchase price and seller concessions.  Unless you are great with negotiating skills, and navigating real estate contracts, it is a good idea to hire a buyer’s agent to help you through.  Often times two agents working together can help buyers and sellers work through price negotiations and concessions such as closing costs, allowances, etc.

Guide you the legal hurdles. Short of hiring a real estate attorney to represent you at closing (something else I recommend), your best legal advise will likely come from a buyer’s agent.   Again, they are particularly good at guiding you through the contract negotiations, establishing insurance, etc.

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