Let's face it. For most of us, the prospect of buying a home, whether for the first time or the tenth time is daunting. The modern real estate transaction is not only time consuming, it can be confusing. Yet in reality for most of us, this American dream of homeownership is also the largest financial commitment we ever make. Smart consumers know that this is the time we call in the professionals.

When you are looking for help, professional, ethical advice concerning the home buying process, you should know that you have the option of working with a Realtor who specializes in buyer agency. A Realtor, of course, is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. And, although buyer's agents might be the "new kids" in real estate in your local area, they bring a wealth of experience to work for you.

Buyer agency isn't exactly new. It's been a long-standing practice in commercial and industrial real estate transactions. More recently, consumers have discovered that buyer agency opens up a whole marketplace of options in residential transactions.

In fact, buyer agency has become such an important trend with today's savvy consumers that the National Association of Realtors has now joined forces with the Real Estate Buyer's Agency Council to provide additional education and accreditation for real estate professionals who work specifically with home buyers.

What can a Realtor who specializes in buyer's agency do for his or her client? Among the most helpful could be negotiating for a smaller deposit, for all closing costs to be paid by the seller or for contract terms most favorable to the buyer. He or she may also help the buyer find legal assistance to review proposed contracts or home inspectors to examine the property. The services provided by a buyer's agent aren't that different from those provided by seller's brokers-they are just offered from a different perspective.

Today's more sophisticated buyers are choosing representation. The most recent National Association of Realtors home buying and selling survey reported that 41 percent of all home buyers used a buyer broker.

The next time you're in the market to buy, consider the range of representation opportunities offered by today's real estate professional. You may just find that a buyer's agent is right for you. (NAPSI)