Buyer’s broker has more value

Q. Rick, I’ve heard mixed reviews on whether you should use a buyer’s broker when buying a home. What do you think? — Simon, Allston.

A. Simon, though it may have been an open question a decade ago, the consensus nowadays is that it’s always a good idea to use a buyer’s broker before purchasing a house.

The fact is, the homebuying process has becoming increasingly complicated. A good buyer’s broker will be able to walk you through each step, which probably begins with an online and in-person search for a house that fits what you’re looking for.

In addition to providing good advice, your buyer’s broker will be able to refer you to other reliable professionals, including a real estate attorney, property inspector, and mortgage lender, all of whom will contribute to making sure your home-buying experience is a success.

The buyer’s broker can also help you nail down what a reasonable mortgage amount or monthly payment should be, rather than depending on what a lender says you qualify for. And, most importantly, a buyer’s broker will help you keep your emotions out of the home-buying process, guiding you away from decisions that would have you over-bidding on a house in today’s sellerfriendly, low-supply real estate market.

There are also a load of smaller issues that can undermine a potential sale that a buyer’s broker can talk you through. If your first or secondchoice houses turn out to be too expensive for you, the broker can help you find nearby communities where homes may be more modestly priced.

Finally, along with a good real estate attorney, a buyer’s broker can help ensure that you’re completely prepared for — and have a working understanding of — the often hectic and confusing process leading up to and including the closing on the property you’ve decided to buy.