Home Buyers Tips: Choosing a REALTOR(R)

As you begin your home search it is now, more than ever, important that you begin your home search with a Realtor(r). You can be sure of getting the best advice, information and experience by picking your Realtor(r) carefully.   A good Realtor can make the home buying experience smooth and enjoyable, while a bad one can add stress.  Here is my short list for home buyers on how to choose a real estate professional.

1. Start with a Realtor(r) Not all agents are....
2. Choose an agent that has experience representing buyers.
3. Choose an agent that is familiar with the area your looking in.
4. Choose an agent that understands financing.
5. Choose an agent that is serious about their craft.
6. Choose an agent you like.
7. Choose an agent that understands today's market conditions.

Start with a Realtor(r) I know this may surprise many of you but not all real estate professionals are Realtors(r).  For years now clients, agents and the public have thrown around the "REALTOR" term as if it is interchangable with "real estate professional" . The fact is a REALTOR(R) is bound to a Code to Clients and Customers, the Public and other REALTORS(R)

Choose an agent that has experience representing buyers.  Some of you may be saying "duh.. don't you all?  Truth is while we can handle all aspects of real estate transactions, some agents specialize.  Just like doctors are specialists, some agents are just listing agents while others work with only investment clients.  I personally enjoy working with both sellers and buyers.  I have found that representing buyers helps me remind my sellers where the buyers are coming from. 

Choose an agent that is familiar with the area your looking in.  I am licensed to practice real estate all over the state of Washington, but I couldn't tell you the first thing about Lacey, WA.  I can tell you I have a great Realtor(r) friend that lives down there.  The point is there are a fair amount of real estate professionals out there, so for your home purchase find one that lives, works, plays in the area your looking to live.

Choose an agent that understands financing. Imagine a buyers agent that works closely with lenders and ensures that the contract is written in a way to give you(the buyer) the best possible advantage from a lending point of view.  That is what having a  real estate agent that understands financing is all about.  I am a licensed loan officer in the State of Washington.  This gives me a clear understanding of what is to be expected from underwriters and processors.  I am able to help my buyers wade through the mass of misrepresentations that are out there in the marketplace.

Choose an agent that is serious about their craft.  I don't want to knock on part-time agents.  I do think that even a part-time agent can provide their clients 5 star service.  The emphasis is commitment to providing their client with great service.  Often times clients choose an agent out of obligation(i.e family member, friend).  I would ask that my friends choose to work with me.  It's not because of my friendship, rather it's because I take my job seriously.  I believe the best thing for my friends in choosing representation is someone that will ensure their interests are held above mine in the transaction. 

Choose an agent you like.  Nothing is worse that riding around in a car with someone you have nothing in common with.  Of course your not going to be BFF's, but it is worth it that you enjoy the personality of the agent that is representing you.  Of course, the other points will take higher priority, but if you don't like the agent, no amount of professionalism will improve the enjoyment of the relationship. Personality goes a long way!

Choose an agent that understands the market.  Again another duh!!  The fact is if you have answered yes to the above 6 items.  Chances are you are working with someone that understands the market.  It doesn't hurt to ask questions like; "Where do you see the market headed in the next 6 months, 2 years, 10 years etc."  A exceptional agent has this information at their fingertips.  

In conclusion home buyers need to begin their search with a REALTOR(R) Take some time to identify the best agent for the job.