Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent
Posted: June 18, 2015 by Jesse Olive
Much like choosing the right lender, picking the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you can make before actually buying your home. Finding a trustworthy agent and agency to work on your behalf can save you valuable time and money and ultimately get you the right home based on your priorities and budget. But keep in mind, not every agent is looking out for your best interests, which is why you need to do your own due diligence and work with an agency like Coldwell Banker Premier Realty that truly values their clients and always makes it a priority to find them the perfect home. CBPR offers these three key steps to find the right agent for you…
1) Conduct Agent Interviews – When you are picking your agent, you are picking a team that will help you make a very important investment in buying your home. That is why it is critical to decide what qualities you are looking for in an agent and agency before you choose one. Some agents are more focused on making a quick commission than helping you find the right home, so consider the interview as a way for you to gain piece of mind and feel them out beforehand. Asking the right questions will enable you to make a smart choice. Does the agent know the area well? Is the agent well-trained and clearly understand the type of home you are looking for? Can the agent work within your budget? These are just a few examples of questions to ask during the agent interview.
2) Get Buyer Presentations – The right agent and agency will go all out to impress you and make you feel completely comfortable, with a buyer presentation serving as a valuable tool that can showcase knowledge and skills. They will do a comprehensive job with a buyer presentation and earn your business by showing you what they know and proving they are experts in their field. They should also be able to tell you the average sales price for homes in the neighborhood and provide you with even more important information about the area that can help you make an informed and educated decision.
3) Secure the Right Agent – Part of the buying process is comparison shopping, both with lenders and agencies before you purchase a new home. Conducting multiple agent interviews and seeing different buyer presentations allow you to gauge what agency might be the best to work with, and then signing a buyer-broker agreement will show your commitment to the team. Good agents will prove themselves to you during this crucial process, and securing the right one will ensure you are at the top of their client list. Also consider that you should not visit newly-constructed homes without having a trusted advisor there for you. Builders have their own agents on site for the sole purpose of selling their own homes, not to look out for your best interests. Remember, the right agent and agency will always make you their top priority rather than selling a specific home.