Hey! Look Me Over!

Every how-to-buy-a-house book I’ve seen, including The Irreverent Guide to Real Estate, suggests that, somewhere at the beginning of the process, you find an agent to represent you.  And part of that search involves interviewing several agents.

Once you start looking for a buyer broker, agents will show up in your space, happy to be “the one”.  And friends and family members might have a few suggestions they’ll throw your way.  

When I get a call from a would be buyer,  I suggest a face-to-face meeting.  This gives us a chance to interview each other and see if we both think it’s a good fit.  This is something you might request of agents you meet or who are referred to you.

What I look for in a client is someone who is ready, willing and able to buy and who passes the Fun Test. 

You have to decide for yourself what you want in an agent.

So, no matter how many you interview, here are some things I’d suggest you look out for:

• Who’s doing the talking?  In an interview, I want to hear about the clients' needs, so ideally, they are talking and I’m listening most of the time. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.   You want to come away understanding how each agent does business, what each will do to help you find your perfect home, and the level of service each agent provides. 
• What’s the agent’s experience?  How many years?  Is she full time?  Is he full service?   If she’s bare bones, ask for the “menu” of charges for services you might need.
• Are you comfortable with this person?  You are about to enter a pretty intimate relationship with someone who, at the end will know all about you and a lot of pretty personal stuff.  Do you like him?
• Ask for references.  I give the names of recent clients as well as colleagues who have been on the other sides of my transactions.

Usually, at the end of the agent interview process, there will be one stand out.   But don’t sign a buyer broker agreement until you read my post about them later this week. 

If you are planning a little househunting in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, I can help.  You may call or text me at 202-549-5167 or email me at housepat@mac.com.