How Can I Be a Good Buyer?

Dear Holly,

I have been doing my research and I think I am about ready to hire a Buyer's Agent to help me buy my first home.  I want to be a good Buyer and make sure that my Buyer's Agency relationship is a good one. What are some things I should know about my role in buying a house?

Thank you,

About Ready to Buy

Dear About Ready to Buy,

This is a great question. I think too often, buyers start the process without really understanding their commitment and , as a result, the purchase process does not go as smoothly as it could.  Education is an important part of being a Buyer's Agent. Make sure that your Buyer's Agent is clear and specific about what they will ask of you and what you can expect in return.

Here are some things that I council my buyers that I will expect from them:

1. Prompt communication: If I call, email or text you, please respond as promptly as you can. There are many ways to communicate with me, so if you can't talk anytime soon, just let me know when you will be available.
2. Commitment to purchase: Especially in the shortsale and foreclosure markets, you need to be committed to buying when the right opportunity comes along. This is not a time for casual looking. The good properties move quickly. Once we start looking, you need to be prepared at any time to write a contract. If you don't have your down payment, or if your financing is not lined up, we should not start the process.
3. Follow through with requests: If I ask you to follow up with your lender or to get some specific documentation to me, please do it in a timely manner.  I can only effectively represent you if you allow me to.
4. Schedule flexibility: I realize you have a job, and I will work around your schedule to the extent possible, but, for example,  if we put a contract on a home, we will probably need to do a home inspection--and due to time constraints it might require you to take time off or do it first thing in the morning. Keep this in mind as we go through the process. This might be a good time to let your boss know what you are doing.
5. Trust: We are going to have to trust one another during this process (offer, negotiations, home inspection repairs). Make sure that the trust is there otherwise, it will be difficult to get through the purchase process successfully.

Your agent might have a different list. Make sure you understand your role in the process and what your Buyer's Agent will expect of you prior to signing a Buyer's Agency Agreement. It will make the whole process go more smoothly and you will have the greatest likelihood of ending up with a new home at the end.

Good luck with your purchase!!

 

 

 

 

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

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