There is Buyer Agency in both North and South Carolina. A Buyers Agent is typically a free service to the buyer. There are few exceptions and I have never charged for buyer agency.
A Buyers Agent's duty is to find the best possible home at the best possible price. You need to be careful and the first question from a buyer is "Do you earn any additional commission if you sell one of your own company listings?" There are certain local established companies that reward their agents by selling their own company listings. This "may" be considered as doing a service to your seller but it is a HUGE disservice to your buyer. Some company websites actually filter out listings or images from competitor listings. You may want to double check with Realtor.com to see if photos really exist and if the listings are all being displayed. If you are working with a Realtor "your" interests need to be the priority.
No one works for free. Right? So how does a Buyers Agent get paid? Buyer Agents are paid as a portion of the marketing agreement from the seller. When the seller agrees to market their home with a Realtor, they agree to compensate the Buyers Agent. Why would they do this?
There are currently over 7500 Realtors in the greater Charlotte area. Every seller is hiring a commissioned sales staff of 7500 with their listing. The sales staff is only paid "if" they actually produce a buyer. It is actually a great deal for the seller.
Your Buyers Agent will set up a customized home search, share pertinent information about schools, taxes, commute time, HOAs and so much more. There are a variety of programs that we utilize and will share as much information as possible. Is it a foreclosure neighborhood? How stable is the area? Has this area been redistricted for schools lately? How much are the property taxes and I can help answer any number of questions to assure you find the ideal home for you and your family.
Let me know how I can help.