A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate agent who represents you, the buyer, and only you. The seller already has an agent working for them. A buyer’s agent is legally bound to put your interests first, from the first showing through closing.
I’m Don Wessel, a Greenville SC Realtor with RE/MAX Moves. For more than 24 years I’ve specialized in representing buyers across Greenville and the Upstate, from first-time buyers to families relocating from out of state. Here’s what a buyer’s agent does, how one is paid, and how to choose the right one.
What a Buyer’s Agent Does for You
A buyer’s agent handles the parts of buying a home that are hard to judge on your own:
01
Finds the right area and the right home
I show hundreds of homes a year, so I know what’s available, which neighborhoods are on the way up, and which school districts and areas fit your needs.
02
Tells you what a home is really worth
Before you make an offer, I’ll walk you through recent sales and my honest opinion of the home’s value, including when it isn’t worth the asking price.
03
Writes and negotiates your offer
Once you find the right home, I write the offer, work the contract and negotiate price and repairs to get it for the best terms possible.
04
Coordinates inspections
I’m your go-between with home, termite, roof and radon inspectors, and I help you decide what to ask the seller to fix.
05
Lines up the right people through closing
From lenders for your pre-approval to the closing attorney and title work, I connect you with local professionals I trust and stay with you until you have the keys.
What You’re Owed as a Buyer Client
When you hire me as your buyer’s agent, I have a legal, fiduciary duty to you. That means:
- Confidentiality. What you tell me about your budget and plans stays private.
- Loyalty. I represent your interests above all others, including my own.
- Obedience. I follow your lawful instructions.
- Reasonable care and diligence. I do the homework on every home you consider.
- Full disclosure. I tell you everything I know that affects your decision.
- Accountability. I account for every document and dollar in the transaction.
You and I agree in writing on the terms of our working relationship, including how long it lasts, so you stay in control.
How Is a Buyer’s Agent Paid?
Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. The agreement states how the agent is paid. Sellers may offer to cover some or all of the buyer’s agent’s fee, but that’s negotiable and not guaranteed.
I’ll walk you through your options and how compensation is handled before you sign anything, so there are no surprises at closing.
Why Work With an Experienced Greenville Buyer’s Agent?
Greenville has a lot of Realtors. When you choose one, look for someone who has lived and worked in Greenville and the surrounding communities for years. A local agent understands the neighborhoods and has the connections with lenders, inspectors and contractors that make buying a home easier.
While I’ve specialized as a buyer’s agent, my 24+ years in Greenville real estate mean I understand both sides of the transaction. I’ve helped hundreds of clients buy homes and land here: first-time buyers and experienced investors, doctors, teachers, veterans, lawyers and families moving from all over the country.
I’ve also combined my work with a passion for photography. My videos of Greenville neighborhoods and homes let out-of-state buyers see the area before they arrive, and many have bought homes they first saw on one of my video tours.
I’m a member in good standing of the Greenville Association of Realtors, the South Carolina Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Call me anytime. I’m never short of opinions!
Talk With Don First
Thinking about buying in Greenville or anywhere in the Upstate? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll get back to you quickly.