You find a house you're interested in. Should you call the listing agent? Look here for the benefits of working with a Buyer's Agent.
In New Hampshire, a homebuyer can choose to work with a buyer's agent or a selling agent. Either way, your agent is a specially trained professional, licensed by the state of New Hampshire, who is obligated by law to treat all parties to a real estate transaction fairly. 

 

 

If you work with a selling agent, there is no contract between you and the agent, and you are not the agent's client. You will, however, receive an Agency and Non-Agency Disclosure form that lists the fair treatment duties owed to you and indicates that the selling agent is the home seller's agent.

 

A Selling Agent must:

 

Disclose all meterial defects actually known by the licensee pertaining to the on-site physical condition of the real estate.

 

Treat all parties honestly.

 

Provide reasonable care and skill.

 

Account for all monies received from or on behalf of the buyer/tenant or seller/landlord relating to the transaction.

 

Comply with all state and federal laws relating to real estate brokerage activity.

 

Perform ministerial acts.

 

If you work with a buyer's agent, you are the buyer's agent's client. You and the buyer's agent sign an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement that includes an Agency and Non-Agency Disclosure form. The Disclosure lists the fair treatment duties owed to all parties and the duties owed to you as the client, and indicates that the buyer's agent is the agent of the buyer.

 
The buyer's agent works for the interests of the homebuyer, but also must know how to work with the listing agent.  In addition to the above, a buyer's agent can:
 
Give a negative opinion or critique of a seller's property beyond disclosing defects.
    
Advise you regarding an offering price or give you an opinion about whether a particular house is priced too high or too low.
 
Structure the offer and draft offer provisions with the buyer's best interests in mind.
 
Recommend and assist the buyer with negotiation strategies for the best price and terms.
 
Give advice within the scope of the agent's expertise as a licensed real estate professional.