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Hiring a Real Estate Buyer’s Agent in Destin & Along the Emerald Coast

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Buying a home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be!

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We don’t just show you homes; we help you find the community and property that fit your lifestyle, investment goals, and long-term vision.

 

The Locals Group partners with trusted local professionals in every facet of the transaction, including insurance, title work, financing, and more, to make the process seamless and stay in consistent communication so that you are a part of your purchase.

 

We ensure you can confidently navigate the Destin market and step into your Emerald Coast lifestyle, taking you beyond the keys and right into the community. 

The Value of a Buyer's Agent for Residential Real Estate

A buyer’s real estate agent is your advocate in the home-buying process, entirely focused on your interests. Unlike a listing agent, who works for the seller, your buyer’s agent owes you a fiduciary duty.

 

This means we are legally and ethically committed to protecting your goals, negotiating the best terms for you, and guiding you every step of the way. We are on your team!

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At The Locals Group, our team brings unmatched experience, resources, and local market knowledge to your side. We leverage our community ties, award-winning expertise, and access to both on- and off-market listings to ensure you have every advantage.

 

We handle everything from contract management to strategic negotiations, so you can feel confident throughout the process with clear and consistent communication.

Steps to Hire the Right Buyer’s Real Estate Agent

Search Platforms:

Hiring a real estate agent means working closely alongside someone for extended periods of time. 

 

Let’s make sure you do your research! Begin your search on social media sites, brokerage websites, and Google searches to find an agent who not only has proven results but also aligns with your energy and values.

 

After all, they are representing you in one of the largest purchases you will make!

Ask Questions:

  1. What experience do you have working with residential buyers in Destin and the surrounding Emerald Coast?
     

  2. Are you a full-time agent? 
     

  3. Check Performance: Review client testimonials, local sales data, and negotiation history to ensure a strong track record.
     

  4. Does the agent’s schedule align with yours to be able to view properties and what is their preferred form of communication?

Understand Commission: Clarify the difference between buyer’s and listing agent fees.

 

Keep in mind that new Florida rules require a Buyer Representation Agreement to outline responsibilities and compensation before you view properties.

Hire:

Once you’ve found the right agent, sign a written agreement to make sure duties, expectations, and compensation are clearly defined.

Be In The Know

New Rules & Commission Trends for Buyer’s Agents

We've written about the latest changes every buyer and seller needs to know about. View our blog post!

What Services Does a Buyer’s Agent Provide?

  • Let’s chat about what you want! We provide personalized property searches based on your lifestyle, budget, and investment goals.

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  • Can’t find what you’re looking for? We have insight into off-market and early-release listings not always visible online. 

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  • We have all the scoop! We offer neighborhood guidance with insights on schools, rental potential, flood zones, HOA rules, and future development.

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  • The price is right! We dive into market analysis and pricing to help you understand the true property value.

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  • The Locals Group gets creative with strategic offer writing and negotiations to secure the best terms and price for you.

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  • We do the heavy lifting! We handle all contract management, including deadlines, contingencies, and documentation.

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  • We coordinate inspections, insurance quotes, lenders, title work, and local service providers so that you have peace of mind moving forward in the transaction.

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  • Now, let’s get you the keys! We ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction after handling any further negotiations and repairs during your escrow period. â€‹

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  • Our favorite part: Post-closing support with local recommendations, vendor introductions, and long-term ownership insight! Let’s get you involved in the community today.

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Step-by-Step Realtor Hiring Guide

  • Check out our website, social media pages (follow us on Instagram), and reviews! Not all agents are alike. Let’s find the best fit for you. 
     

  • Reach out and connect with us. Let’s chat about your goals and see if we can be of assistance in getting you there!
     

  • Let’s discuss our working relationship and the contract terms of the Buyer Agent Representation Agreement, now required by Florida law.

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Real Home Buyer Reviews & Experiences

The Locals Group had the inside scoop on a property that was in need of a quick sale.  Our Buyer dove right in and offered under value with a quick 14-day closing at $500,000.  After some minor renovations that The Locals Group coordinated, our client sold the property for $585,000 in just 17 days! What a profit swing.

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Buyer's Agent FAQs

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Do I need a real estate buyer's agent when buying in Destin?

 

Having representation on your side is highly encouraged in a Destin real estate transaction. Plus, in order to view properties outside of an open house or off-market listing, a Buyers Representation Agreement must be in place.

 

Who pays the buyer's real estate agent’s commission?

 

Typically, sellers make arrangements to cover the compensation for the buyer’s agent. However, under the new Florida Buyer Representative Agreement introduced by the National Association of Realtors, buyers may now be responsible for paying their own agent directly. To understand how this may impact your purchase, it’s important to consult your financial lender and confirm whether agent compensation can be included or financed within your loan structure.

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What’s included in a buyer agreement?

 

Included in a Buyer Representative Agreement are the parties involved, the location or preferences of the potential purchase, and a timeline thereof. 

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Can I change my buyer's agent if needed?

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Yes! You may always opt to part ways with your current agent.  However, please review the terms of the Buyer Representative Agreement that was executed to understand the penalties or fees due, if any.​​​

Hire The Locals Group To Help You
Find Your Next Home

The Locals Group knows the Destin market inside and out and works solely in your best interest. With local insight, negotiation expertise, access to off-market homes, and trusted connections for lending, insurance, closing services, and more, we make finding your next home smooth, informed, and stress-free.

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Lenders we love to work with:

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Lisa Canup​​

Colony bank​

Regional Sales Manager/Mortgage Loan Officer

NMLS #451774

Phone: (850) 509-3810

Email: lisa.canup@colonybank.com

Webhttps://colony.bank/bankers/lisacanup/

Address: 2001 Thomasville Road

Tallahassee, FL 32308

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Annemarie McClain​

CBM Mortgage

Branch Manager

NMLS# 1600155

Phone: (850) 461-1474

Email: annemarie.mclain@supremelending.com

Web: https://cbmteamofsl.com/fort-walton-fl/

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Christie's International Real Estate
Emerald Coast


12889 US-98, STE 101B,
Destin, FL 32550
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Kersten Bowman is an independent contractor sales associate of Christie's International Real Estate and is not an employee of Christie's International Real Estate. Christie's International Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker located at 12889 US-98, STE 101B, Destin, FL 32550 and is independently owned and operated. All content on this website has been compiled from reliable sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Though information is believed to be correct, it is presented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. All dimensions provided are approximate. To obtain exact dimensions, Christie's International Real Estate advises you to hire a qualified architect or engineer.

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Both Kersten Bowman and Christie's International Real Estate recognize and abide by Federal Fair Housing Laws and Anti-Discrimination. View our Equal Housing Opportunity page.

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By submitting a query or otherwise reviewing the information on this website concerning real property listings, you agree you will not access the Data through automated or high-volume means and you will not harvest or otherwise copy the Data except pursuant to your personal noncommercial use of the Data solely to identify real property listings that you may be interested in investigating further.

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IDX information is provided exclusively for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

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Christie's International Real Estate Emerald Coast, 12889 US-98, STE 101B, Destin, FL 32550

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