Buying a house means a lot of careful thought and planning. You don’t want to settle on the first thing you see, but you also want to find something you like, so you can get moved into your new home and start building a life there. The importance of the purchase means you need the right agent to help you through the process. The goal is to find a real estate agent who is right for you. The agent should be knowledgeable, and should “click” with you on a personality basis because you may have to work with them for quite a while. You want to get along. Here are six questions to ask yourself, when you’re looking for an agent that’s right for you.
1). Do you know what you really want from a house?
The more you know about yourself and understand what you expect from the home buying experience, the easier it will be to find a real estate agent who is right for you. The house you choose should be a reflection of you. Your hopes and dreams may be realized there, and it’s possible you’ll have that home for many years to come. Knowing for sure what you want from the house you’re looking for can help you express your thoughts and desires to a real estate agent. The right agent will “get” you and understand what you’re looking for.
2). Do you have good knowledge of the area?
The real estate agent you choose needs to know the area where you’re going to buy a home. You should also take the time to learn about the area, so you can say yes or no to houses based on their location. There’s no point wasting your time, and the agent’s time, if the house isn’t going to be located where you want. If you have a particular neighborhood or school district you insist on being in, make that clear. When an agent is right for you, they will honor your location requests. For some buyers the location is critical, and others are not as particular about which neighborhood they are in.
3). Can you say “no” when you need to?
Some agents are more insistent than others. They may try to convince you to buy a house that they think is right for you. That doesn’t mean you love the house, though. Most agents are excellent, but you want to be sure you get one you can work with easily. If you have trouble saying no, or you tend to go along to avoid causing any problems, it’s better for you to find an agent who won’t try to push you into a purchase. Working with one who has a more relaxed manner will give you the time and space you need to find the right home.
4). Have you vetted agents in the area?
Your real estate agent should be more than just a realtor who’s knowledgeable about the area, because personality and connection also matter. If you haven’t vetted any agents, or haven’t even read reviews and other information about them, it’s time to do so. You can even interview agents. Talking to a real estate agent about what you want to do and what kind of house you would like doesn’t mean you have to work with that agent. Just don’t sign anything to work with a specific agent until you’re sure they are the agent you want.
5). Have you shopped online and been pre-approved for a mortgage?
Getting preapproved from a lender and looking at houses online are both things you can do before you talk to an agent. That way you’re more prepared. The agent you select will appreciate you being ready to get your home search started, and that can lead to a better relationship with that agent. However, if you haven’t done all of those things yet, or you aren’t sure where to start, look for an agent who can guide you in the right direction. Many agents are used to working with first time buyers and others who aren’t really sure how to start the process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as the right agent will be happy to answer them for you, and will work with you from the first moment of contact right up through the closing on your new home.
6). Do you need to buy or are you really window shopping?
There are many ins and outs to the home buying process, and the right agent can make all the difference when it comes to helping you navigate through any concerns you have. You want to be fair to that agent, though, and one of the ways you can do that is by being completely honest about your intentions. If you’ve relocated to the area and want to buy a house right away, or if you’ve been saving for a long time and know that now is the right moment to make a purchase be sure the agent knows that. If you’re more interested in just looking to see what’s there, and then you’ll decide if you want to buy, let the agent know that, as well. Being honest with your agent, especially when you’re taking up their time to see houses, can go a long way toward finding the best agent to meet your current needs.
2 Point Highlight
Your real estate agent should be more than just a Realtor who’s knowledgeable about the area, because personality and connection also matter.
The more you know about yourself and understand what you expect from the home buying experience, the easier it will be to find a real estate agent who is right for you.
