Tips For Finding A Real Estate Agent For Buying A Home
Posted on: 28 December 2018
Have you found yourself in a situation where you suddenly need a real estate agent to make an offer on a home? This person is going to be critical to the success of your home purchase within the next month or two, which is why you want to pick the right one. Here are some tips that will help you recruit a new real estate agent.
Don't Use The Seller's Agent
One mistake that many novice home buyers make when looking for an agent at the last minute is going with the seller's real estate agent. They may say that they are able to represent you in the sale, but keep in mind that the seller has everything to gain in this transaction and you have a lot to lose. That's because the real estate agent will be making a commission on both the purchase and sale of the home, which doubles their income for the same amount of work. They'll be very motivated to sell the home no matter what, and may work against your interests as the buyer. You always want to select an agent that is neutral to the sale and will work for your interests.
Look For A Local Agent
If you shouldn't use the seller's agent, then who should you pick? Find an agent that works in the area and knows the type of home that you are buying. One trick is to visit open houses in the area the very next weekend. You'll know for sure that the agents running the open houses work with homes in the area, and have a good understanding of the market.
Attend an open house and meet with the real estate agent for an informal interview. Ask them questions about the area for buying and selling, and see how knowledgeable they are. You can then let them know that you are looking for a buying agent and make them an offer to assist you if you like them. It's a no pressure way to find an agent in your area.
Go With A Recommendation
It never hurts to go with a real estate agent that a friend of family member has used in the past. You'll get an accurate recollection of what it was like working with the real estate agent, and it can let you know what to expect before you get too deep into the home buying process. This is important, since the agent will stick with you throughout the entire process and it is difficult to switch midway through.
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