Buying a Ranch in the Hill Country

Buying a Ranch in the Texas Hill Country?

Are you ready to buy a ranch in the Texas Hill Country? If you are just starting to look at ranches for sale or you are ready to invest today, consider working with a buyer’s agent.
When searching for properties online, many people will pick up the phone and call the listing agent for more details. Their logic is simple, who knows more about the property, right?
Here is the problem though. While all listing agents should ask if a buyer is currently represented by another agent, some are going one step farther. They are advertising that if the buyer does not identify an agent on first contact, they will not participate with another agent in the transaction.
Some buyers are misunderstanding that by starting the conversation, over a simple question, like price or about a feature, they can no longer be represented by their own agent. That’s not true.

Finding A Buyer’s Agent when Buying Land

In a perfect world, the buyers should ask questions through their own agent, but it’s not always practical. When it comes to setting up an appointment, the buyer will want their agent to be there for the showing. It only makes sense that an agent needs to see the property to represent a client.
A buyer also needs to understand, that everything they tell that listing agent, about their budget, time frame, and motivation is being repeated back to the seller. After all, that is the listing agent’s job, to get the highest and best price for the seller.
So where does that leave the unrepresented buyer? Without much leverage to negotiate.
Experienced buyers may feel they don’t need representation, and that’s fine. I have known buyers who knew as much about a property as anyone. They didn’t feel they needed representation. However, most people will find value in a real estate agent working to negotiate on their behalf and assist them through the process of purchasing a ranch property.

So Who Should You Choose as A Buyer’s Agent?

My best advice would be to choose an agent who is experienced in Farm and Ranch sales, and who works in the area of the property you would like to buy. Too many buyers get offers from an agent who mostly work in residential sales in urban areas. These agents are over their head most of the time, and obviously “don’t know what they don’t know”. While they may be willing to learn, you won’t be best served by an agent who has never written a farm and ranch contract. I hope this has helped. Give me a call or send me an email if you have more questions – Melanie